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Lire of Christ 







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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, 

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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



MEDITATIONS 



ON 



THE LIFE OF CHRIST. 



MEDITATIONS 



ON THE 



LIFE OF CHRIST 



J 



BY 



THOMAS A KEMPIS 



TRANSLATED AND EDITED BY 
THE VEN. ARCHDEACON WRIGHT, M.A. 

RECTOR OF GREATHAM, HANTS 
AND 

THE REV. S. KETTLEWELL, M.A. 



WITH A PREFACE BY THE LATTER 



Ey6 elfit 66bc nal ij dlTjOeta kcu i] &t] ' ovdeig epxerai nphg tov 
naTepa, el fifi 6c 1 tfiov. — St. John xiv. 6. 



- l :-892/J 

rfEW YORK 
E. P. DUTTON & COMPANY 

31 West 23d Street 
1892 






Copyright, 
E. P. DUTTON & COMPANY, 

1892. 



SDefcicatefc 

TO THE MOST REVEREND HIS GRACE THE 

LORD ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY, D.D. 
Primat* of eta <£ng!ann, 

WITH PROFOUND RESPECT AND DUTIFUL 
OBEDIENCE IN CHRIST. 



CONTENTS. 



Preface . iii-liii 



PART I. 

FROM THE INCARNATION OF CHRIST TO HIS 
PASSION. 

CHAPTER PAGE 

I. A Meditation or Prayer calling on us to 

praise G-od for His Excellent Greatness 5 
H. On the Creation of the First Man, and 

His Miserable Fall 9 

III. On the Recovery of Man, and the Prom- 

ise of Christ's Advent 11 

IV. On the Redemption of the Human Race 

through the Mystery of the Incarnate 

Word 12 

V. On the Nativity and Poverty of Jesus . . 16 
VI. On the Trials and Wants of Jesus in 

Poverty 18 

VII. On the Cries of the Infant Jesus 20 

VEIL On the Nurture of the Infant Jesus 22 

IX. On the Painful Circumcision of the In- 
nocent Jesus 23 

05) 



Contents. 

CHAPTER PAGE 

X. On the Giving the Most Sweet and Sav- 
ing Name of Jesus 25 

XI. On the Manifestation of Jesus, and the 

Devout Offerings of the Holy Kings . . 27 
XII. On the Purification of the Blessed Mary, 
and on the Presentation of the Child 
Jesus 31 

XIII. On the Persecution of Jesus, and the 

Flight into Egypt 33 

XIV. On the Holy Innocents, Slain by Herod 

for the Name of Jesus 35 

XV. On the Finding Jesus in the Temple. . . 37 
XVI. On the Holy and Hidden Life of the 

Lowly Jesus 38 

XVII. On the Baptism of Jesus, and Our Sanc- 

tification in Water 40 

XVIII. On the Fasting and Temptations of the 

Invincible Jesus 42 

XIX. On the Holy Preaching and Salutary 

Doctrine of Jesus 44 

XX. On the Glorious Miracles and Benevo- 
lence of Jesus 46 

XXI. On the Example and Holy Conversation 
of Jesus, and on His Tribulation in 

the World 49 

XXII. On the Feast of Palms, and the Lowly 

Riding of Jesus into Jerusalem 51 

XXIII. On the Lord's Supper, in which Jesus 

Christ instituted the Sacrament of His 
Most Precious Body and Blood. 55 

XXIV. On the Washing the Feet of the Disci- 

ples, and the Holy Discourse of Jesus 

at Supper 57 



(6) 



Contents. 



PART II. 

ON THE PASSION OF CHRIST UNTIL HIS 
RESURRECTION, ACCORDING TO THE 
FOUR EVANGELISTS. 

CHAPTER PAGE 

I. On the Selling of Jesus by the Perfidious 

Traitor Judas 65 

n. On the Sorrow and Dread of Jesus borne 

for us 66 

HI. On the Threefold Prayer of Jesus; on 
the Bloody Sweat; on the Angelic 
Comforting ; and on Renouncing His 

Own Will 68 

IV. On the Voluntary Going Forth of Jesus 
to His Passion, and His Great Meek- 
ness in the Hour of His Betrayal 70 

V. On the Apprehension, the Binding, and 
the Leading Away of Jesus to Annas 

the High Priest 73 

VI. On the Leaving Jesus in the Hands of 
His Enemies, and on the Flight of the 

Disciples 77 

VH. On the Bringing Jesus before Annas, and 
on the Smiting Him on the Right 

Cheek. 81 

VHI. On the Three Denials of Christ by Peter, 
and His Bitter Weeping, when Jesus 

looked upon Him 83 

IX. On the Leading Away of Jesus to Caia- 
phas, the High Priest, and His False 

Accusation , 86 

(7) 



Contents. 

CHAPTER PAGE 

X. How Jesus was Mocked, Spit upon, 
Blind-folded, Smitten on the Cheek, 

and Buffeted 89 

XI. On the Bringing of Jesus bound before 

Pilate the Governor *93 

XII. On the Derision of Jesus by Herod and 

His Soldiers 96 

XIII. Of the Wicked Clamor of the Jews, 

" Crucify Him ! Crucify Him ! » 98 

XIV. On the Stripping and Scourging of Jesus 103 
XV. On the Stripping, Mocking, Crowning, 

and Smiting of the Head of Jesus .... 106 
XVI. On the Unjust Condemnation of Jesus to 

the Death of the Cross 115 

XVII. On Jesus carrying the Cross, and being 

led to the Place called Calvary 118 

XVIII. On the Crucifixion of Jesus, and on His 

Hanging High and Long on the Cross 127 
XIX. On the Wounds of Jesus, and the Shed- 
ding His Precious Blood 136 

XX. On the Tender Pleading of Jesus for His 

Enemies . . 140 

XXI. On the Stripping off and Dividing the 

Garments of Jesus 145 

XXII. On the Eevilings of the Jews, and the 
Mighty Perseverance of Jesus on the 

Cross 150 

XXHI. On the Words spoken to the Thief on 

the Cross 156 

XXIV. On the Remarkable Superscription of the 

Name of Jesus, placed over His Head 163 
XXV. On the Compassion of Thy Sorrowing 
Mother, and the Mutual Commending 
of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. 

John 168 

(8) 



Contents. 

CHAPTER PAGE 

XXVI. On the Loud Cry of Jesus on the Cross : 

Eli, Eli, Lama Sabachthani 174 

XXVII. On the Thirst of Jesus on the Cross, and 

on His Bitter Cup 180 

XXVIII. On the Word of Consummation pro- 
nounced by the Mouth of Jesus 184 

XXIX. On the Solemn Death and Expiring of 
Jesus, and His Last Words from the 

Cross 190 

XXX. On the Victorious Death of Jesus our 

Redeemer 204 

XXXI. On the Cruel Piercing of the Holy Side 

of Jesus Christ 209 

XXXII. On the Taking Down of Christ from the 

Cross 216 

XXXHI. On the Reverend Burial of Jesus Christ, 219 



PART III. 

ON THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST AND 
HIS SEVERAL APPEARANCES. 



I. On the most victorious Triumph of our 
Lord Jesus Christ on the Cross over 
Death ; and on His most joyful Resur- 
rection from the Sepulchre 229 

H. On the devout visiting of the Holy Sepul- 
chre of the Lord Jesu Christ 238 

ni. On the appearance of Jesus to Mary 

Magdalene in the form of a Gardener 247 
IV. On the exemplary Graces and Privileges 

of the blessed Mary Magdalene 257 

V. On the great Compunction of Mary Mag- 
dalene in the Passion of the Lord 262 

(9) 



Contents. 

CHAPTER TAG E 

VI. On the Appearance of Christ to St. Peter 
in secret, and on St. Peter's running 

with St. John 267 

VII. A Prayer to obtain from God the Grace 

of Tears 272 

VIII. On the Advantage and Grace of holy Tears 276 

IX. On the Tears of Jesus over Lazarus 277 

On the Tears of Jesus over Jerusalem 278 

X. On the Appearance of Christ, under the 
form of a Stranger, to two Disciples 

going to Emmaus 282 

XI. On the Recognition of Christ in the Break- 
ing of Bread , 286 

XII. On the Appearance of Christ to the Disci- 
ples in Jerusalem, when it was late, 
and the doors were shut 291 

XIII. On the Appearance of Christ on the Oc- 

tave of the Feast of Easter, when St. 

Thomas was present 298 

A Prayer to obtain the peace of mind, 
which Christ gave to His Disciples 301 

XIV. On the Touching of the Sacred Wounds 

of Christ by the hand of St. Thomas 

the Apostle 304 

On the great Grace of Devotion, and the 
firm Faith of the Apostle St. Thomas. . 307 
XV. An Address on the five Sacred Wounds of 

Jesus Christ 310 

XVI. On the Armor of Christ ; the Cross, Nails, 

Spear, and Crown of Thorns 316 

XVII. On the Appearance of Christ to Seven 
Disciples, when they were fishing in 

the Sea of Tiberias 325 

XVIII. On the Feasting of Christ with the same 

Disciples 331 

(10) 



Contents. 

CHAPTER PAGE 

XIX. On the loving discourse of Jesus with St. 
Peter and St. John the Apostle, concern- 
ing the love of Him 336 

XX. On the Appearance of Christ to the eleven 

Disciples on Mount Tabor, in Galilee 342 



PART IV. 

ON THE ASCENSION, PENTECOST, AND 
CERTAIN OTHER MATTERS. 

I. On the Ascension of our Lord, and His Ap- 
pearance 349 

H. On the Appearance of the Angels in white 

apparel 355 

IH. On the sending of the Holy Ghost upon the 
Apostles of Christ, at the Feast of Pente- 
cost 358 

IV. A Prayer of Thanksgiving to Christ for His 
Incarnation, Passion, Resurrection, and 
Ascension; and for sending the Holy 
Ghost with a fuller outpouring of gifts . . . 362 
V. A Prayer concerning the gifts of the Holy 
Ghost, against divers disorders of the 
soul 365 

VI. A Prayer for the grace of devotion in the 
performance of Holy Offices, and on the 
cheerful praise of the Angels in Heaven . . 368 
VII. On the Preaching of the Apostles, and pro- 
claiming the holy Name of our Lord Jesus 
Christ, throughout the world, for the sal- 
vation of man 3 74 



(11) 



PKEFACE, 



THE full title of this work is, "De Vita et 
Beneficiis Jesu Christi Salvatoris Nostri 
Meditationes et Orationes." In the table of 
contents for the third volume of Sommalius's 
" Opera Omnia'* of Thomas a Kempis* it is 
simply spoken of as "De Vita Christi Medita- 
tiones " ; and so at the headings of the pages — 
on the one side we have " De Vita Christi/' and 
on the other, " Meditationes.' 7 1 It is fonnd in 
the second edition of the above work. It occu- 
pies rather more than a hundred pages with an 
index at the end ; and is placed at the begin- 

* 2d Ed., Antwerp, 1607, small 4to. 
t Other titles are given, viz. : — 

1. "Liber Orationum De Vita Domini" : MS. of 

Contemporary Biographer, and end of 15th 
Century. 

2. " Meditationes in Vitam Christi " : the Bux- 

heim MS. 

3. "Orationes in Totam Vitam Christi " : 1626, 

Cologne. 

4. " Oraciones y Meditaciones de la Vida de Jesu 

Christo, N.S.": 1661, Brussels. But all 
refer to one and the same treatise. 



iv Preface. 

ning of the third volume, double columns, small 
type. It does not appear in the first edition, 
and, after its appearance in this second edition, 
it. disappears altogether, in a strange and most 
unaccountable manner, without any explana- 
tion, in all future editions. This has tended in 
no small degree to discredit the work. To this 
subject some reference will shortly be made. 

But the first and principal question that will 
be asked is, How do we know that this "De 
Vita 77 was written by Thomas a Kempis? 
What other evidence, besides its appearance in 
this edition, is there that he was the author of 
it ? It is important to give an answer on this 
point before we proceed further, because it may 
be said, " Its appearance in only this one edition 
is slight ground to build upon, and unless you 
have some more satisfactory and decisive proof 
to produce, you are not justified in so deliber- 
ately speaking of the i De Vita Christi Medita- 
tiones ? as the work of Thomas a Kempis." 

Happily we have, quite apart from Somma- 
lius, far more certain evidence to depend upon, 
to assure us that Thomas a Kempis was un- 
doubtedly the author of it. A contemporary 
but unknown writer, soon after the death of 
Thomas, gives a short biography of him ; from 
which it is evident, that, whether the contempo- 
rary lived on Mount St. Agnes with the Kempen, 



Preface. v 

or in the mother-house at Windesheim, not 
many miles distant, or only intimately knew 
some of the Brethren, he was evidently well 
acquainted with what Thomas did, and what lie 
wrote. He it is who gives us that pleasing 
anecdote about him, that, when a wave of fer- 
vent devotion came over him, he would ask leave 
of the Brethren, with whom he might be talk- 
ing, to withdraw, under the plea that some one 
was waiting for him in his cell. He retired to 
hold communion with his Saviour. This writer 
of his life then adds, that we have the result 
or fruits of this frequent and sacred intercourse 
with Jesus in some of the books and treatises 
which he wrote* 

This gives the contemporary writer occasion 
to say in conclusion that, as few knew what 
Thomas had written, he would put down very 
specifically a catalogue of his works. Having 
told us that this devout Father died in the year 
1471, he continues : — " Et quia multos Tractatus 
scripsit et dictavit in vita, et pauci sciunt, quo- 
modo intitulantur vel vocantur, ideo tabulam 
de ejus Tractatibus et Libris hie intitulare et 
scribere intendo, ut omnes qui legunt, vel audi- 
unt, possint scire, quot sunt." 

* See Eusebius Amort. MoraJis Certitudo pro Ven : 
Tlwma Kempensi, 4to, Augusta Vindelicorum, 1764, p. 
145. 



vi Preface. 

And in the u Tituli Librorum et Tractatuum " 
given, we have at No. 34 the very book now 
under consideration, named and specified. It 
is mentioned and set forth in these words : — 

" Liber Orationum De Vita Domini. Domi- 
mis Deus meus, laudare te desidero." 

The latter words in italics are those with 
which the book begins, and are given to make 
it clear that it is the identical work alluded to, 
so that there might be no mistake. It is in this 
manner that the biographer indicates the books 
of the " De Imitatione Christi," which are found 
separately noted, after this form : — 

"5. Libellus sententiarum et verborum hu- 
milis Jesu. Alias vocatur de Imitatione Christi, 
scilicet ; Qui sequitur me? 

u Secundus Tractatus. Regnum Dei intra vos 
est" The words in italics being those with 
which the first and second books of the Imita- 
tion begin * 

The writer of these sacred colloquies with 
Jesus, whilst desirous that pious Christians 
should have the benefit of the precious thoughts 
contained in them, wished, nevertheless, to re- 
main hidden from the world : a line of conduct 
thoroughly in accordance with the humble 
character of Thomas a Kempis; who, whilst 

* See Eusebius Amort, in his Moralis Certitude, pp. 
144-147. 



Preface. vii 

striving to point out the beauty of holiness, and 
to set forth its perfect and Divine Exemplar in 
all His loveliness, would shrink from the idea of 
making it known to the world, that he himself 
it was who held this personal intercourse with 
the Saviour. This, doubtless, at the first pre- 
vented his attaching his name to what he 
wrote ; so that some persons at a distance, who 
were unacquainted with Thomas and his writ- 
ings, speculated as to who was the author of 
them ; and in one or two noticeable instances 
erroneously attributed them to other famous 
men. 

The value of the testimony just produced 
should be well considered, for it is of the high- 
est character, and such as one who is desirous 
of getting at the truth of the matter would like 
to have. It is not the witness of some one at 
a distance, in another country, who could know 
but little or nothing of the life and writings of 
Thomas a Kempis but by hearsay; it is not 
given by one who lived fifty or a hundred years 
after the death of this devout Father; it is 
written by one who lived during the lifetime of 
Thomas a Kempis, and, we may presume, at no 
great distance from the monastery of Mount St. 
Agnes. Possibly he belonged to that house, or 
to the mother-house at Windesheim. However 
that may be, this is certain, the writer shows. 



viii Preface. 

in the hagiographical sketch given by him, that 
he had an intimate and thorough knowledge 
both of the life and writings of the pious 
author. 

It is this kind of testimony, I repeat, that is 
so valuable. It comes from one who is well 
qualified to give us authentic information. The 
work is clearly indicated ; and the record as- 
sures all men that Thomas a Kempis is the 
author of the " De Vita Christi Meditationes." 
If there had been any mistake about the matter, 
we might have expected that some notice of it 
would have been taken, and that it would have 
been corrected at once. If it had been attrib- 
uted to any one else, it is certain that some 
one would have made the claim known ; but as 
there is no other account to be found in that 
age or country, the testimony of this contem- 
porary biographer is most important, and may 
be taken as conclusive. 

There is, moreover, other contemporary evi- 
dence to show that this book — the "De Vita 
Christi Meditationes" — was in existence at the 
time of the death of Thomas a Kempis in the 
year 1471. It arises in a very singular and 
undesigned manner, which helps to confirm the 
testimony already advanced, and is therefore of 
great worth. Eusebius Amort is not defending 
the authorship of the " De Vita Christi Medita- 



Preface. 



IX 



tiones," but that of the " De Imitatione Christi." 
And, in doing this he brings forward an ancient 
codex, containing several works — some more 
ancient than others — found in the Carthusian 
monastery of Buxhaim or Buxheim, Suabia, Ger- 
many, in which another amanuensis, contempo- 
rary with Thomas a Kenipis, gives, at the end of 
two of the works bound up in the codex, the dates 
when they were copied • which is an evident 
proof that these dated manuscripts must have 
been known at the time named. The Carthu- 
sians, as well as the Brethren of other Orders, 
were familiar with, and were held in much 
esteem by the Windesheim community, to 
which Thomas a Kempis belonged. He alludes 
to them, it will be remembered, in book i. 
chapter xxv. of the Imitation, Hence a fre- 
quent interchange of fellowship and kindly 
actions passed between them ; and that of lend- 
ing valuable manuscripts to be copied out was 
one of them. By this means, doubtless, a copy 
of the " De Vita Christi Meditationes " was to 
be found in the Monastery of Buxheim. 

And of so much worth does Amort regard 
the codex in which it is found, that he is very 
particular in giving the account he received of 
it. First, it is in folio ; secondly, the material 
of the paper is throughout wholly of a papyrus 
nature ; thirdly, the character of the writing is 



x Preface. 

the same throughout from the beginning to the 
end ; fourthly r , the contents or names of the 
books in the codex are put down. And here 
it should be noted that, after naming a few of 
them in the list, there comes this : — 

" Item Meditationes in Vitam Christi." 

And then, further down the list still, mention 
is made of the Imitation in these words : — 

" Item liber de Imitatione Christi, qui conti- 
net in se quatuor libros." 

In the fifth particular, Amort gives a more 
special account of the " De Imitatione Christi," 
for this is the object with which he is most 
concerned; and, after alluding to the several 
titles of the four books, he states other things, 
such as, that each chapter begins with a large 
capital letter, etc. 

In the sixth particular he notices the sub- 
scription to these books. And here the copyist 
remarks, that the writer of the Imitation was 
"quidam Frater Thomas" of the St. Augustin- 
ian Order of the Canons Regular at Mount St. 
Agnes, in the Diocese of Utrecht, a.d. 1471. 
He states, however, that others attribute the 
Imitation to John Gerson, Chancellor of Paris. 

The seventh particular is with regard to the 
age of the codex ; where it is stated, that it was 
written in the fifteenth century, that one of the 
books is dated as copied in the year 1470, " qui 



Preface. xi 

annus subscribitur Meditationibus Vitse Domini 
nostri Jesu Christi ,? ; the very work now engag- 
ing our attention. And the year 1471, it is to 
be noted, is subscribed to some short and useful 
works on penitence. 

The eighth, ninth, and tenth particulars re- 
late to the binding of the codex, the present 
possessor of it, and the name of the individual 
who sends these particulars to Amort, with the 
attestation of a public notary attached to them* 

Here then we have certified evidence, that a 
copy of the " De Vita Christi Meditationes " had 
been written out in the year before Thomas a 
Kempis died, and that it was found in close 
connection, or bound up with his most cele- 
brated work, the " De Imitatione Christi," bring- 
ing both works up to the lifetime of Thomas. 
It will be observed that the latter work was 
attributed by some persons to the Chancellor 
Gerson. But that question has been, we may 
hope, settled forever, and certainly need not 
occupy our attention. But, as far as we are 
aware, there is, and has been, no such dispute 
about the " De Vita Christi Meditationes." Its 
authorship is directly and from the first assigned 
to Thomas a Kempis. And, until some definite 
evidence to the contrary can be produced, we 
claim the work on behalf of this devout Father. 
* See Amort's Moralis Certitudo, pp. 152-154. 



xii Preface. 

Another curious piece of evidence is before 
me. I have lately received from Amsterdam 
an old volume with the first two Parts of the 
" De Vita Christi Meditationes " printed in large 
legible Gothic type ; followed hj another work 
which will be noted later. But, as might be 
expected, no name is attached to the former. 
It was only likely that they, who first printed 
the '■ De Vita/' would pay some respect to the 
wishes of the author, who desired to remain 
unnoticed and unknown; especially when 
printed at one of the monastery presses. This 
was the case with his most famous work, the 
u De Imitatione Christi." Several editions of 
it appeareed before one was published with his 
name. Hence, later on, other names were at- 
tached to it , until at length the upholders of 
the Kempen deemed it their duty to vindicate 
his right to the authorship. There were not 
many writers who desired to be hidden from 
the world as Thomas did ; so that this very 
singularity became rather a mark of his writ- 
ings in that part of the world j especially among 
the piously disposed, and the members of his 
confraternity, scattered in various brother- • 
hoods. Hence, naturally, we find no name 
attached to these two parts of the "De Vita" 
now under consideration. This omission, so 
far is it from being an objection to the Kem- 



Preface, xiii 

pen's authorship of the treatise, is distinctly in 
favor of its having been written by him. There 
are, however, certain peculiarities about the 
volume, to w^hich attention must be drawn, that 
confirm the view that this evidence is in favor 
of Thomas a Kempis. 

Several points show that the volume must 
have been printed in the first years of printing 
in Germany. No name of the- author is at- 
tached to the " De Vita" neither is there anv 
proper title-page appended to it. Only the 
titles of the two works contained in the volume 
are put in the upper corner of the first page, in 
a similar type to that of the book itself. There 
is no publisher's name, no year when it w r as 
printed, no place, town, or even habitation, 
where copies could be obtained. The capital 
beginning each chapter is a large red letter, 
which has evidently been written, not printed, 
by a good penman, generally called the "rubri- 
cator." The pages are not numbered, but in- 
stead the leaves are, yet after a different form 
to that which w r as afterwards generally adopted. 
In one corner, at the bottom of the front page, 
you have the usual signature, followed by some 
numerals ; the first signature a is taken, and is 
continued in numerals up to viii. ; then the 
signature b is taken, and is also continued up 
to viii., and so on. Moreover, there is no per- 



xiv Preface. 

mission given for leave to print the book, as is 
mostly found in religious works, even before 
a.d. 1500 7 and was after that date required. 
All these points prove that the printing of 
books was then in its infancy . # But these par- 
ticulars seem to indicate something more. It 
is thought, and not without reason, that this 
volume proceeded from one of the printing- 
presses of the Brothers of Common Life. It is 
known that they were deeply interested in the 
new invention; for the subsistence of very 
many of that community depended upon copy- 
ing books for sale.f Moreover, they were very 
early in the field as printers. And no wonder, 
for they at once perceived, that, by this marvel- 
lous invention, they could speedily multiply 
their publications- whereas, previously, they 
had spent months of labor in copying each one 
out by hand. Glad indeed must they have 

* The volume was sent up to the British Museum for 
further information, and, singularly enough, the author- 
ities possess another similar copy, to which the date 
a.d. 1475 is conjecturally assigned. This is the year 
after Caxton printed his first piece at Westminster, on 
"The Game of Chesse," a.d. 1474. 

t Vide Buschius, Clironicon Windesemense, Antverpise, 
1621, 8vo, vol. i. cap. ii. pp. 6, 7 ; a Kempis, Clironicon 
Sanctw Agnetis, also Antverpise, 1621, 8vo, cap. iii. p. 11 ; 
and a Kempis, Vita Gerardi Magni, cap. ix. 2, 3, Opera, 
1607, p. 771. 



Preface. 



XV 



been to avail themselves of this new instrument 
to produce books more readily, and to any ex- 
tent. 

Schaab, in his Erfindung der Buclidrucker- 
Jcunst, Mainz, 1831, intimates that one of the 
Brother-houses in Maryvale probably had a 
printing-press with type for themselves as early 
as a.d. 1468. And Delprat mentions several 
other Houses of the Brothers, that shortly after 
set up their presses. They did their work re- 
markably well, and what books they sent out 
were greatly valued. Neale in his Jansenist 
Church of Holland, p. 100, says, "Among the 
most valuable volumes to be found in the in- 
cunabula of German libraries, the Canons of 
Windesheim have their full share." 

But what would further lead a bibliographer, 
in addition to what has been said, to regard 
this remarkable volume as issuing' from the 
printing-press of one of the Brotherhoods of 
Common Life is, that the two books it contains 
are by two celebrated men of that devout com- 
munity. Bearing in mind, then, that the con- 
temporary biographer of Thomas a Kempis put 
down the "De Vita" in the catalogue of the 
works he wrote ; that it was well known by the 
various members of the Brotherhood in many 
places to be by him; and that not a single 
instance is known of the authorship being 



xvi Preface. 

attributed, in its early days, to any one else ; it 
is not unreasonable to ascribe this devout 
treatise to him, who was recognized as the great 
ornament of the Brotherhood. They paid all 
the greater reverence to his writings, because 
he sought not for this world's fame, but rather 
despised it ; and this he did the more, that men 
might know and follow Jesus for Himself. The 
Brotherhood had probably been the first to 
print that most precious book, the " De Imita- 
tione Christi," and it is a pleasing fact to note, 
that they were probably the first to print the 
chief parts of another like precious book, the 
" De Vita," written by their much revered 
Brother. 

The other work that follows this in the 
volume, called " De Spiritualibus Ascensioni- 
bus," is by another remarkable member of the 
community, Gerard of Zutphen, an ardent stu- 
dent and lover of God's Word, who preceded 
Thomas a Kempis. The latter gives a sketch 
of Zutphen's life. Gerard's example kindled a 
flame of enthusiasm in the life of Thomas, then 
a young man in the community. Gerard was 
a great advocate, in those early days, for the 
Bible being translated into the language of the 
people, and in his treatise brings forward many 
cogent arguments. In another treatise he pro- 
posed also that the Prayers of the Church 



Preface. xvii 

should be said to the congregation in their 
niother-tongue * The " De Vita," then, thus 
early was clearly associated with another chief 
work of a former member of the Brotherhood, 
noted for his learning and spiritual influence ; 
and was even placed before the " De Spirituali- 
bus Ascensionibus," as if it were accounted of 
more importance. 

Now, who more interested in publishing these 
two works, or more likely to print them, than 
members of the Brotherhood, in one or other 
of their Houses, as it would be a great saving 
of time and labor in not having to copy them 
out ; and as they w r ere the kind of books they 
would at first be most anxious to multiply ? It 
is therefore probable, that the " De Vita " was 
at the first printed in one of the houses of the 
Brotherhood. But be this so or no, the great 
point to draw attention to is, that the w^ork was 
printed and made known within four or five 
years of the death of Thomas, and thoroughly 
recognized as his among the Brethren in the 
country and neighborhood where he lived. 
And it is at once a testimony of their deep re- 
gard for Thomas a Kempis, and how much they 
valued the work on account of its supreme 
worth. 

* See Kettlewell's Tlwmas a Kempis, and the Brothers 
of Common Life, 1882, vol. i. pp. 296-306. 



xviii Preface. 

It may be asked, why were only two parts 
printed, and the remaining parts left out? 
Though it may he difficult to answer such ques- 
tions, unless one is directly acquainted with the 
particular circumstances, yet it may be ob- 
served, that the "De Imitatione Christi" was 
treated in a similar way. Sometimes we find 
the first book alone printed by itself, sometimes 
only three books, when four were considered to 
be its complement. Moreover, if you look at 
the " De Vita," in this volume, you will perceive 
that the first two parts already take up about 
half of a thick two-inch book ; and had they 
continued the remainder of it, the printers 
would not have been well able to get in Gerard's 
work. Besides, it was probably considered most 
profitable for readers to ponder over the parts 
they had so far printed, since they referred to the 
Passion and Death of Christ. 

Thomas a Kempis, in the earlier period of 
his long life, is known to have copied out the 
whole of the Bible in four large volumes. 
What more likely than, when he came to the 
Holy Gospels, he should frequently and deeply 
ponder over the wonderful and beneficent life 
of Christ ? To this his mind would often re- 
turn, as most worthy of his life-long attention : 
and, taking the several portions of that Divine 
history from time to time as they recurred to 



Preface. xix 

him, he would make them the special subjects 
of meditation and prayer. It is evident that he 
was a man who lived much upon his knees ; 
and that he held continual intercourse, in deep 
abasement and profound reverence, with the 
blessed Saviour. The words and thoughts of 
these gracious moments spent with Christ were 
very precious to him — carefully noted and 
treasured up. And it seems that afterwards he 
had gathered them together, and formed them 
into one connected treatise, for the benefit and 
help of other religious persons. This he did to 
show them, by an example, how they might 
make use of the Holy Scriptures to their ever- 
lasting welfare. Not only by reading and 
hearing them, not only by taking heed to the 
preaching and comments upon them, but by 
praying over them. They could then turn the 
words into devout meditations, and, in each 
separate and distinct portion, make a grateful 
acknowledgment of particular instances of the 
Divine favor and goodness to uswards. 

Nor is all this simply conjecture. When he 
began to write his immortal work, the "De 
Imitatione Christi," he seems to have had before 
him the design of such a work as The Medita- 
tions. For, on turning to the first chapter of 
the first book of the former work, we read these 
words : — " To meditate on the Life of Christ (in 



XX 



Preface. 



vitam Jesu Christi meditari) should be our chief 
study. His teaching surpasses all that the 
Saints have taught ; and he that has the Spirit 
will find in it l the hidden manna.' " Observe 
how this devout writer brings in the very title 
of the book, as it were, which he afterwards 
adopts ; pointedly advocating the use of such 
meditation, and showing what a blessing is to 
be derived from such an exercise of devo- 
tion. 

And it would seem strange if, in the many 
years the Kempen lived after he had completed 
the " De Imitatione Christi," he did not write 
such a work as that " De Vita Christi Medita- 
tiones," when it would appear to have been the 
very desire of his heart to do so. There are 
very few, even of those who seclude themselves 
from the world for the sake of religion, quali- 
fied to produce such a sacred treatise; but 
from the records of his life, and the peculiar 
excellency of the " De Imitatione Christi," we 
may judge that he was eminently fitted to write 
such a volume. It appears then only reasona- 
ble to conclude that Thomas a Kempis was the 
author of the " De Vita," especially when we 
take into consideration the external evidence 
that has been produced ; which early attributed 
the work to him — evidence given by those 
grown up at the time of his death, and who 



Preface. 



XXL 



were fully able to supply information that 
might be depended upon. 

The internal evidence also seems much in 
favor of Thomas a Kempis being the author of 
the "De Vita Christi Meditationes " ; for one 
who is familiar with his writings would say, 
" Well, if it is not his, it must be by one of the 
Brothers of Common Life." But since we have 
external evidence of the best kind that asserts 
Thomas a Kempis to be the veritable author, 
an examination of the contents of the book 
will serve to establish still more the authen- 
ticity of it. Though there may seem a differ- 
ence in character between the De Imitatione 
Christi and the Be Vita Christi Meditationes, it 
is more because the two must necessarily be 
treated differently, than in anything else. The 
latter does not differ from the Be Imitatione 
Christi more than do the other undoubted 
works of Thomas a Kempis. 

The "De Vita Christi Meditationes" is of 
an ascetic character, like the "De Imitatione 
Christi " ; and he who would find fault with the 
exalted pitch of the former, must find fault also 
with the latter for the same reason. Both bid 
us aim at the highest ideal of the Christian life ; 
and in the use of one as well as of the other, 
the f eeling that will pervade the mind of the 
earnest Christian, who is diligently seeking 



xxii Preface, 

after the welfare of his soul, will be, first, that 
he comes vastly short of what he should be ; 
and this must lead him almost to despair of 
attaining to higher excellency ; secondly, it will 
cause him to feel more than ever his great need 
of the Saviour, willing and able to redeem him ; 
and that he must truly fly to Him for help and 
salvation; and thirdly, it will incite him to 
daily endeavors to become like unto Christ, and 
to follow in His blessed footsteps. This, we 
must remember, is the only right way to attain 
the Christian lif e ; not to tone down the stand- 
ard of our life to our earthly desires and im- 
perfections, but to set before us and strive to 
follow the noblest and most perfect example 
of our humanity. For this is what the Gospel 
of our salvation bids us aim at, when we are- 
told : — " Be ye perfect, as your Father which 
is in heaven is perfect." "Be ye holy, for 
I am holy." 

Besides, the peculiar character of theology 
which is found in one work is the same as in 
the other. The doctrine and views of religion 
in both are from the same school of divinity, if 
not from the same pen. There was in those 
days a strikingly earnest and awakening appli- 
cation of Gospel truth prevailing among a 
number of devout souls, of which Thomas a 
Kempis was the representative and exponent. 



Preface. xxiii 

Moreover, there are several peculiar modes of 
expression, sentences, phrases, and words which 
are common to both works. The form of the 
sentences in the "De Imitatione Christi" is 
short, terse, admonitory, and complete • and so 
is that in the present work. Many instances 
of these several points might be readily ad- 
duced, but the fear of lengthening this preface 
prevents us from doing so. It is worth while, 
nevertheless, for those who are interested in 
the question respecting the authorship of this 
treatise, to follow out these points, as it will 
serve to establish the evidence already brought 
forward, that the "De Vita Christi Medita- 
tiones " was written by Thomas a Kempis. 

It will be asked, however, " How is it that 
this important work of Thomas a Kempis has 
been so long lost sight of, and unrecognized by 
the public ? "Why has it not been noticed be- 
fore, and brought forward for the benefit of the 
Christian world ? " The reason appears to be 
chiefly on account of the treatment which the 
book received. This brings us back to Som- 
malius, who published three editions of Kem- 
pen's works. He did not print the " De Vita 
Christi Meditationes v in his first edition, it 
appears in the second, disappears from the 
third, and is never again found in any of the 
other many editions published under his name. 



xxiv Preface. 

Hence serious misgivings and doubts have 
arisen, whether it were really written by the 
venerable and esteemed author of that devout 
and heavenly book, the " De Imitatione Christi." 
And some have concluded, though on insuffi- 
cient grounds, that it was left out by Sommalius 
because he had found that Thomas a Kempis 
was not the author of it. And this opinion has 
the more prevailed because of the general 
ignorance of the positive and original proofs 
that the work was written by him. Might 
there not, however, be some other reason ! 

The exclusion of the " De Vita " from so many 
editions will in no small measure account for 
its being so long lost sight of by the public, 
and almost forgotten, except by a few ; as well 
as for the doubts thrown on its authorship. It 
must be remembered that Sommalius gives not 
the slightest reason why it is expunged. He 
leaves his readers altogether in the dark as to 
this, after having assured them that it had been 
written by Thomas a Kempis, and was one of 
his works which he had discovered. There is 
something mysterious about this, to say the 
least ; and thereby hangs a tale, which it may 
be difficult to unfold, for it leaves us in some 
perplexity. 

It is asked, " Why did Sommalius omit the 
work from his first edition ? Had he then any 



Preface. 



XXV 



doubts about it ? Then why does it appear in 
his second edition ? and again, why is it excluded 
from his third, and from all other editions ? Is 
there not some other more likely reason than 
that which has generally been received, why it 
had been suppressed ! As to the first point, it 
may be assumed that at the time when Som- 
malius published his first edition he was un- 
aware of the existence of the " De Vita Christi 
Meditationes." He had probably made use of 
former copies of the collected works of a 
Kempis, edited by other writers ; diligently 
comparing them with the autograph copies of 
Thomas a Kempis, to be found in the Royal 
Library at Brussels in the two codices dated 
severally a.d. 1441 and 1456, and with the 
manuscripts of some of his other works depos- 
ited in St. Martin's monastery at Louvain j and 
as the "De Vita," was also not found in either 
of these collections, Sommalius was at first 
ignorant of its existence. Afterwards, however, 
some friend or antiquarian scholar may have 
informed him of the existence of this work, and 
where a copy of it was to be found. This, we 
may be sure, he examined into with great cu- 
riosity and delight, and obtained forthwith a 
copy for his second edition. Such seems the 
most likely account of its appearance in this 
second edition. But why does it disappear in 



xxvi Preface. 

the next edition, and in all others afterwards ? 
And what reason can be assigned for leaving it 
out, seeing Sommalius gives none ? 

The conclusion generally arrived at is not 
unnatural, and one that would at once strike 
the casual reader. He, without giving much 
consideration to the subject, would be inclined 
to conclude that, upon further investigation, 
doubts arose in the mind of Sommalius as to 
whether there was sufficiently clear evidence 
that the work was indeed by Thomas a Kempis, 
and it had consequently been excluded. As to 
his complete silence regarding its being left 
out, it might be said that Sommalius would not 
like to confess that he had been in error, and 
therefore he quietly omitted it in his next edi- 
tion, the third, without saying a word as to the 
reason why he did so. 

But, after all, this is only a conjecture, not 
resting upon any sound foundation. Observe, 
Sommalius does not give this as a reason ; it 
is only those who are puzzled by his leaving 
the " De Vita" out without giving any explana- 
tion, who jump to this conclusion. When we 
come to make further research into the matter, 
and look more closely into various particulars, 
we shall see reason to doubt whether this is the 
right conclusion, and be led to seek for some 
other ; especially when we take into considera- 



Preface. *xw± 

tion the positive proofs we possess of Thomas 
a Kempis being the real author, and the man- 
ner in which Sommalius acknowledges this 
when he introduces the "De Vita" into his 
second edition. 

Sommalius is said to have been born a.d. 
1534, and to have died a.d. 1619. His first 
edition of the " Opera Omnia" appeared in 
1600 — about a hundred and twenty-nine years 
after the death of Thomas a Kempis. His 
second edition came out in 1607 ; and the third 
in 1615 — about four years before his death. To 
all three there is a dedicatory epistle, and an 
address to the "Pious Reader." But upon 
critically examining the latter in all three 
editions, although they seem to read alike, we 
find that there are just a few words added in 
the 1607 edition — that in which the "De Vita" 
first appears — which do not occur in the 1600 
edition, but do so in the 1615 edition ; showing 
that the 1607 edition was used as a copy for 
the third edition. Sommalius rejoices that he 
has had both the health and some little leisure 
afforded him opportunely to supply those things 
which were wanting in the first edition (quae in 
prima editione defuerunt). Now the "De 
Vita " is the only considerable addition made to 
this second edition, and consequently he must 
chiefly refer to this work, and the absence of 



xxviii Preface. 

which in the first edition he considers made it 
defective. The passage given in Latin has been 
continued in other editions printed in the name 
of Sommalius after his death, and no remark 
made in its place, in any of them, accounting 
for the omission. Hence the only allusion to 
the " De Vita " made by Sommalius in the 1607 
edition is certainly in favor of its being written 
by Thomas a Kempis. 

Nor can we imagine that he introduced the 
" De Vita " into the second edition of the " Opera 
Omnia v without giving to it great consideration 
and research. In his address " Pio Lectori/' 7 in 
all the three editions, he tells us how anxiously 
and diligently he had labored to produce only 
what he had well authenticated, and compared 
with the manuscripts or autographs of Thomas 
a Kempis. He informs us, that like a bear he 
had licked, and like an ostrich had gazed upon 
the writings of his beloved author. He had 
been as a bear to them, " quas frequenter lam- 
bendo expolire atque efformare consuevit." 
He had been as an ostrich, "quae non incu- 
bando, sed Axis oculis ova diu multumque 
intuendo pullos excludit . . . tarn scepe auto- 
grapha vidi, legi } revolvi, et cum priori edition e 
tarn sedulo contuli ; adeo ut sperem me ad earn 
perfectionem omnino castigationem addiixisse, ut 
merito animo conquiescere debeam" 



Preface. 



XXIX 



All this implies searching examination and 
close deliberation ; so that this learned man 
was not likely to have admitted the " De Vita" 
among the works of Thomas a Kempis, unless 
he had well assured himself that it had been 
written by him. Moreover, when he so satisfied 
himself as to the authenticity of the work he 
was at the ripe age of seventy-three, the judg- 
ment then being mature, and he was in good 
health. Nor can we believe that he ever went 
back from an opinion which he had so carefully 
formed. Why the " De Vita " disappeared from 
the third edition, that of 1615, without a word 
being said by the learned editor, wall, we trust, 
be made clear as we study more closely this 
interesting question. 

The suggestion of this silence given by those 
who would make it out that he excluded the 
" De Vita," because he afterwards doubted its 
authenticity, and was ashamed to confess his 
error, is putting forward a motive altogether 
unworthy of so learned and conscientious a 
man as Sommalius seems to have been. We 
might surely have expected that, if he had been 
a free man, he would have endeavored, at the 
first opportunity he had,' to correct the mistake 
he had fallen into, that he might not mislead 
those who trusted him. Such a course an up- 
right and honorable man would have taken. 



XXX 



Preface. 



But no ; he does not make any correction or 
retractation. He would not enter upon the 
open avowal of such a thing, after what he had 
already said and done. And yet it is evident 
that there was some secret reason why the " De 
Vita " was excluded from the third edition, and 
no explanation whatever given. It is this view 
of the matter — together with the evidence we 
possess that it was written by Thomas a 
Kempis — that leads us to look out for some 
other reason for its disappearance — some other 
solution to the inquiry, Why was it left out 
and never after appeared f 

It has been asked whether there is anything 
heretical in the work that caused it to be re- 
jected. The work has been carefully looked 
over to ascertain whether this is the case or 
not. And though there are several passages, 
as in the Imitation (but more in number), which 
the members of the Reformed Church would 
not allow or consider sound, yet is there noth- 
ing that the Romanist, or the dominant author- 
ity in the Church, at the time when the " De 
Vita " first became known, would consider to be 
heretical. This, then, cannot be the reason for 
its rejection or exclusion. 

But though there may be nothing openly 
heretical in the "De Vita" according to the 
teaching of the Church a hundred years before 



Preface. 

the Reformation, still we cannot but suspect 
that, when Sommalius published the " De Vita" 
in his second edition, it did not meet with favor 
in certain quarters ; and it was therefore inti- 
mated to him, or to the printers, that permission 
would not be given to publish it again; and 
that it must be quietly withdrawn, without 
rendering any reason for the omission of it. 
Sonimalius was one of a religious Society who 
was required to pay implicit obedience to the 
direction of his superiors ; and if the conjecture 
offered be correct, then the publication of the 
works of Thomas a Kempis, being entirely in 
the hands of those bound to obedience, the u De 
Vita " was left out, without the least hint as to 
the reason for doing so. Silence about it would 
rather further the object of those who desired 
its exclusion; for the withdrawal would not 
only hinder it from becoming generally known, 
but would also throw doubts on its authenticity, 
and incline those who did know of it to question 
whether it was written by Thomas a Kempis. 
And the manner of its withdrawal seems to 
have had this effect. It is otherwise difficult, 
we repeat, to account for the silence of Som- 
malius when the work did not appear again in 
his next edition, after his unequivocal acknowl- 
edgment of it as one of the Kempen's works. 
If he had given a reason for its withdrawal; 



zxxii Preface. 

under the circumstances alluded to, that would 
in a great measure have defeated the object 
of those who wished to exclude it ; for such a 
course would have drawn all the more attention 
to it at the time ; and others, not under obedi- 
ence, might have been greatly induced to pub- 
lish this work by itself, in opposition to those 
who wished to expunge it without any noise.* 

But this is not all. It is certainly a curious 
fact that, between the death of Thomas and the 
year 1607, there is only a single printed edition 
of a part of the "De Vita" known to have 
existed. There are, as we have already seen, 
three distinct manuscript copies of it referred 
to, which in themselves clearly direct us to 
Thomas a Kempis as its author. But they 
formerly must have been very rare, and now 
scarcely a manuscript of the work can be found. 

* Some ill-informed critics have stated that the " De 
Vita " was written by S. Bonaventura ; others have at- 
tributed it to Ludolph of Saxony, the Carthusian of the 
fourteenth century. The reader is referred to the 
Meditations put forth by those holy and learned men. 
They have not the slightest resemblance to the treatise 
of the Kempen : in matter and language they are alto- 
gether inferior. (See Opera Omnia of S. Bonaventura, 
Moguntia, 1609; Meditationes de Vita Christi, in the 
sixth vol., fol. 334-401 ; Ludolphus de Saxonia, Vita 
Christi, Strasburg, 1474, fol. ; and Meditationes de Vitd 
Jesu Christi, Nurnberg, 1473, fol.) 



Preface,. • xxxiii 

How then can yon account for the early exclu- 
sion of it from public use ? 

It would appear, from the analogous title it 
bears to the " De Irnitatione," and from its divi- 
sion into four parts, making it like the four 
books of the Imitation ; as also from what a 
Kempis says in this inimitable work respecting 
the worth of such a book as the " De Vita/' that 
it was his earnest desire to have the Meditations 
accounted as a proper sequel or companion to 
his chef-d'oeuvre. Moreover, from the two most 
important parts of the " De Vita" being printed 
in the very infancy of the art, and so soon after 
the death of its author, as well as from the 
Kempen character of the book itself, we cannot 
fail to perceive the esteem in which the "De 
Vita " was held. 

From these considerations there is reason to 
conclude that, next to the Imitation, the devout 
writer of it valued the " De Vita " more than all 
his other works ; and would have all those who 
admired the former to make a diligent use of 
the latter. And it is not too much to say that, 
like the Imitation of Christ, the Meditations on 
the Life of Christ are calculated to prove an 
equal blessing to the Christian world. We may 
rightly believe, then, the author would ardently 
wish that copies of it might be multiplied ; and 
this, too, would be the wish and effort of those 



XXXIV 



Preface. 



who in its early days loved the Imitation. But, 
strange to say, there seems to be, on the con- 
trary, an unaccountable scarcity of the treatise. 

On what grounds, then, can we reasonably 
conceive that it was kept back from the public, 
unless it had been suppressed by some one in 
authority after the death of Thomas a Kempis, 
so that it should not be again printed, or any 
more copies of it written out ? As the Brother- 
hood were sworn to obey those that w^ere over 
them, the injunction, we may be sure, was 
yielded to without any question or disturbance. 
The public would know little or nothing as to 
the cause of its disappearance- and it would 
soon be generally lost sight of and forgotten. 
This seems to be the only reasonable ground on 
which to account for its singular scarcity, why 
so little is known about it, and why in these 
days it comes as a surprise upon the public. 

That some books were suppressed in those 
days, and in many instances lost sight of, is 
well known to the student of history. As early 
as a.d. 1486, Berthold, Archbishop of Mentz, 
forbade the printing and sale of books without 
license through the whole of his province, and 
certain books were not allowed to be published. 
But, even previous to this time, in England the 
manuscript copies of Wyeliffe's version of the 
Scriptures had been condemned and suppressed 



Preface. xxxv 

by Archbishop Arundel. Many of them were 
of small size, and so escaped destruction, since 
"they could easily be hidden and made the 
constant companion of the owners." And in 
1501, Pope Alexander VI. issued a Bull, de- 
nouncing, in certain provinces, the printing of 
books "containing various errors and perni- 
cious doctrines, even hostile to the Christian 
faith 77 — as the views and sentiments of the 
Reformers were at that time considered. The 
Pope's order was, that nothing should be printed 
for the future except with the archiepiscopal 
license. 

And in those days it was accounted no light 
thing, it must be remembered, to disregard or 
set at naught the mandates of the Pope, or 
of the Archbishops acting under him. What 
more likely, then, that the " De Vita" was early 
suppressed by authority, because it seemed to 
favor the views of the Reforming party in the 
Church, who were so eager for the revival of 
true and earnest religion — a revival Thomas a 
Kempis had much at heart, and by his works 
so zealously promoted ? It is well known also, 
that certain rulers of the Church, especially in 
the fifteenth century, not only opposed the Re- 
forming party, but were intent upon excluding 
them from the Church and her sacred ordi- 
nances ; so that a large number of pious souls, 



XXXVI 



Preface, 



which the Church ought to have retained, were 
driven by unwise treatment to combine and 
provide religious services and communion for 
themselves. And it is not unlikely that these 
said rulers would suppress and keep back from 
publication, as far as they were able, all works 
that furthered the movement of the Reforming 
party. 

And the "De Vita" might well be classed 
among such works, not only from the character 
of the book, but inasmuch as it was at the first 
printed with a treatise by Gerard de Zutphen ; 
who publicly contended, that an open Bible 
should be allowed, and the prayers of the 
Church said in the vulgar tongue. 

There were, be it observed, many Romanists 
who greatly esteemed Thomas a Kempis and 
his works ; and at one time there was a hope, 
and even a promise made, that he should be 
canonized. There was also, and is now, a party 
among the Pope's followers much opposed to 
him ; and from one cause or another, whether 
it be on account of their knowledge of the sup- 
pression of one of his works by some one in 
authority, or that he is considered to have for- 
warded the Reformation movement by his pious 
writings, no Pope has as yet been prevailed 
upon to place him in the rank of Saints. 
Thomas k Becket and Thomas Aquinas have 



Preface. xxxvii 

both been Sainted; but for some reason left 
unexplained no such distinction has been ac- 
corded to Thomas a Kempis ; though so many 
individuals, through the reading of the Imita- 
tion, have been led to live the saintly life. This 
much, however, is certain : the celebrity of his 
honored name has not suffered much through 
this omission or slight. 

Supposing that our view of the early sup- 
pression of the "De Vita" be correct, it must 
have been well effected ; as Sommalius, a hun- 
dred years after the death of a Kempis, appar- 
ently knew nothing of the treatise when he 
published his first edition of the Opera Omnia. 
And that the suppression was secretly and very 
quietly carried out is further supported by the 
fact, that Sommalius introduced the " De Vita " 
when he published his second edition. For had 
he known that it had been forbidden in high 
quarters, so true a son of the Church of Rome 
would have been the last to place it promi- 
nently among the works of a Kempis. And 
that Sommalius, when informed of the suppres- 
sion, and forbidden to publish the treatise any 
more, paid implicit obedience to the direction 
of his Ordinary we may readily conjecture, 
from his leaving the " De Vita " out of his third 
edition without the least explanation. This no 
honest and consistent man of learning would 



xxxviii Preface. 

have been inclined to do of himself, after hav- 
ing once published it as the work of Thomas a 
Kempis, and thoroughly satisfied himself that 
it was by him. 

Not only did Sommalius, after careful con- 
sideration, acknowledge the " De Vita " as the 
production of Thomas, but he evidently had a 
special regard and value for this particular 
work, as one specially fitted to promote the wel- 
fare of souls by drawing them to Jesus as their 
Saviour. Fully to support this statement, we 
have simply to refer to the commendatory no- 
tice which he placed on the title-page to this 
effect : — 

" This little book, concerning the life and 
loving kindnesses of Christ, will be service- 
able to those who are accustomed to pray 
aloud, and even to Pastors and Preachers, 
who from hence may (if they please) draw 
forth pious, devout, and spiritual concep- 
tions, which they may advantageously set 
forth to their hearers." 

This is certainly to draw attention to it in a 
very marked way. 

In addition to this, he prefixed the small 
preface, which, though not written by him, 
since it is found in the earliest edition of the 
" De Vita " cir. a.d. 1475, was certainly approved 



Preface. xxxi* 

by him, as showing how serviceable the work 
would be to earnest-minded Christians. 

Beginning with a title — 

" On the Utility of the Life of Jesus and 
His Passion/' 

it proceeds : — 

" If thou desirest to be perfectly cleansed 
from corruption; to be nobly endowed 
with virtues ; to be eminently enlightened 
with the knowledge of the Scriptures ; if 
thou desirest to triumph over thy spiritual 
enemies; to be abundantly comforted in 
adversities ; to have a devout conversation 
on earth ; to frequently feel compunction 
on your bed ; to weep sweetly in prayer ; 
to be fervently inflamed in meditation ; to 
persevere in good works ; to be replenished 
with spiritual joy ; to be carried up in a 
holy rapture of mind ; to enjoy the secret 
things of God ; to die happily at the last ) 
to reign eternally in heaven — exercise thy- 
self in the life and sufferings of Jesus 
Christ, the Son of God, whom the Father 
sent into the world that He might show 
forth to all men a glorious example of 
perfection, and bring His followers to 
an everlasting Kingdom. Therefore love 
Christ ; follow Jesus ; embrace the Cross." 



xl Preface. 

Though Sommalius's name is attached to the 
Opera Omnia of Thomas a Kempis, not only in 
the three editions published during his life, but 
in those issued after his death, we are disposed 
to think that it was not of his own judgment 
that the " De Vita " was excluded from the third 
edition. Our firm belief is, that, apart from 
Church authority, he held, to the end of his 
days, that Thomas w^as the author of it. In 
pursuance of this idea, it has been suggested 
that the interests of the publication had passed 
out of the hands of Sommalius into those of 
the printer or bookseller. But it is to be 
doubted whether this is an adequate reason, or 
so likely to be the case, that we may fasten the 
responsibility on them. For, merely on com- 
mercial grounds, it would not commend the 
sale of the work to put forth an incomplete 
edition of the Opera; for Sommalius himself, 
in his second edition, had stated that the first 
edition, which did not contain the " De Vita," 
was defective. And to publish the third edition 
without the work would not be likely to bring 
it into favor with the public. No ; it rather 
intimates that there were some behind the 
scenes, who, for their own purposes, carried out 
their design irrespective of the convictions that 
others held ; and would not permit, or give their 



Preface. xli 

sanction to the " De Vita" being again printed 
in the Opera Omnia. 

And this is the more likely when we consider 
the religious controversy which w T as then begin- 
ning about the authorship of the a De Imita- 
tione Christie To this we must give a mo- 
ment's attention. A party had sprung up 
eagerly bent upon defrauding Thomas a Kempis 
of his claim to be the author of this much 
valued work ; and it is in keeping with their 
design to throw doubt also on his authorship 
of the "De Vita" — a work which not a few 
thought to favor the Reformation. John Ger- 
son, Chancellor of Paris, who flourished a few 
years previous to Thomas ; and then, Joannes 
Gersen, Benedictine Abbot of Vercelli, who 
lived about two hundred years before him, were 
boldly put forth as claimants of the authorship 
of the Imitation. D. Cajetan had started the 
claim for the latter, on the most flimsy grounds ; 
and the Benedictines at first smiled at the 
audacity and absurdity of such a thing. But 
afterwards, when it was thought that much 
glory and credit would accrue to their Order, 
they, as a body, took up the cause, gave him all 
the support they could, and countenanced the 
claim he had made. In 1616, Cajetan pub- 
lished at Rome a copy of the Imitation, and 



xlii Preface. 

attributed it to the Abbot Gersen, for he was 
not at first quite certain about the name. Then, 
in 1621, F. Rosweyde published his Vindicice 
Kempenses, and afterwards brought out other 
treatises in defence of Thomas a Kempis. D. 
Cajetan and the Benedictines were, however, 
irrepressible ; and in 1638 obtained permission 
from the Congregation of the Index to print 
the Imitation under the name of Gersen. The 
controversy waxed very fierce, and almost set 
Europe in a flame. The Parliament in Paris 
undertook, with the help of the learned, to 
thoroughly sift and examine the vexed ques- 
tion ; and after two years they ended, by for- 
bidding the printing of the Imitation under the 
name of Gersen, and permitted the Canons- 
Regular to publish it under the name of 
Thomas a Kempis. 

This slight reference to the events which 
caused so much excitement must suffice. But 
it must be observed, that as the opposing party 
were frustrated in overthrowing the rights of 
Thomas a Kempis with regard to the " De Imi- 
tatione Christi " ; so were they also defeated, to 
some extent, in their attempt to damage his 
credit, with respect to the authorship of the 
" De Vita Christi Meditation es," by excluding 
that work from the Opera Omnia of the Kempen 
Brother. 



Preface. xliii 

It has generally been thought that no action 
had been taken by the Kempenists to defend 
the right of Thomas, or reassert his authorship 
to this last work ; after having been thus un- 
justly, and without any reason or assignable 
ground, deprived of it. But such was far from 
being the case. At first we may suppose the 
defence was confined to verbal discussions. In 
due time, however, more active measures were 
taken ; and in 1626 a small volume, containing 
516 pages of the " De Vita," was duly published 
at Cologne, and authorized by ecclesiastical 
license, having the name of Thomas a Kempis 
as its author. The title of the book is a little 
varied from that in the Opera by Sommalius, 
A.D. 1607; but upon examination it is found 
(word for word) the same work. It is as fol- 
lows: — "Orationes in Totam Vitam Christi. 
Auctore Thoma a Kempis. Ex antiquis manu- 
scriptis, Thomas Gratianus, Provinciae Col. Ord. 
F.F. Eremit. S. Aug. Diffinitor eruebat." The 
" Librorum Censor/ 7 in giving his Approbation 
of these " Orationes," says, " Neque quidquam 
Christianis moribus et dogmatibus contrarium 
habeant." Hence the Roman Catholic author- 
ity, in another province to that in which the 
Opera Omnia was published, asserts that there 
was no heresy in it, nor anything contrary to 
Christian morals, as we have before intimated. 



xliv Preface, 

But it is desirable to notice the date of this 
valuable book, for it seems to tell a tale. We 
have already implied that certain persons were 
annoyed by the suppression of the " De Vita " 
in the third edition of Sommalius, 1615. Hope- 
less of redress, they naturally determined to 
print the treatise by itself. It is supposed that 
at first some remonstrance was mada by the 
supporters of Thomas a Kempis, and they en- 
tertained the idea, that in the next edition of 
the Opera Omnia the "De Vita" might be re- 
stored. If so, great must have been their dis- 
appointment; for in 1625, the fourth edition 
appeared, and they found that the "De Vita" 
was still left out ; and never likely to be printed 
again by those who had power over the Opera 
Omnia. No time was then lost, for before th& 
next year was out, i.e. in 1626, this little volume 
of which we are speaking, was printed and 
published as the work of Thomas a Kempis, 
with the full consent of the Church in the prov- 
ince of Cologne. This was done, we presume, 
not only as a protest against the action of those 
who had expunged the "De Vita" from the 
Opera Omnia, but also to declare before the 
world the authenticity of the work — that it had 
been written by Thomas a Kempis; desiring 
that he should be fully acknowledged as its 
author. This struggle then, to maintain his 



Preface. xlv 

right of authorship to the " De Vita," should 
only enhance its value to us, and lead us to re- 
gard it as some precious gem recovered for our 
use : just as the contention , which continued so 
long and warmly, between those opposed to 
Thomas and those in favor of his claim to the 
Imitation, led to its being held in higher estima- 
tion than ever. 

It should here be noticed also, that a transla- 
tion of the "De Vita" was made and printed 
in Paris, a.d. 1664, by Thomas Carre, Confessor 
to the Canonesses Regular of the Augustinian 
Order, who attributes the work to Thomas a 
Kempis. This Thomas Carre had published an 
able work during the great controversy, to 
show that Thomas a Kempis was incontestably 
the author of the Imitation; and then before 
long he proclaims that the same saintly Father 
was the author also of the " De Vita" ; and of 
this he assures the devout sisters, for whose 
use he had printed it, by affixing the name of 
Thomas a Kempis to it.* 

Thus, whatever may have been the cause for 
the sudden and extraordinary expulsion of the 
" De Vita" from the Opera Omnia of Thomas a 

* As Carre's translation was made expressly for Eng- 
lish Nnns in Paris, only a few copies would be printed. 
The work is now very rare. Carre's real name was 
Miles Pinkney. He died in 1674. 



xlvi Preface, 

Kempis, in 1615, it is a very remarkable fact, 
that, shortly afterwards, there were those, as 
the representatives of a large party, who stoutly 
supported the rights of Thomas to be its author. 
We have just noticed the valuable little edition 
of the " De Vita," published entire at Cologne, 
in 1623, by Thomas Gratianus. Then we have 
the edition printed in Paris for Thomas Carre 
in 1664, both claiming the work as the produc- 
tion of Thomas a Kempis. And now we bring 
forward another edition, in Spanish, published 
three years before Carre's edition. It is a rare 
and valuable book in fine quarto, containing 
the whole of the " De Vita" in 320 pages, trans- 
lated by the great Don Francisco de Borja, who 
ascribes it directly to Thomas in these marked 
words : " Compuesto por el Venerable Thomas 
de Kempis, Canonijo Regular de la Orden de 
San Augustin. mdclxi n ; which further shows 
that, though the treatise received such ill-treat- 
ment at the hands of a certain school, there 
were nevertheless able and learned men, who 
still regarded the " De Vita " as the undoubted 
work of Thomas a Kempis, and recognized it 
as one of his chief and most valuable writings. 
Moreover, it is necessary to notice that a 
translation of the "De Vita" was made into 
English by Henry Lee, LL.B., in 1760. But in 
this case, so much of the translator's reflections 



Preface. adrii 

and other references to Scripture are added, 
that it is difficult to tell what really is Lee's and 
what belongs to Thomas a Kenipis, to whom the 
whole voinme is inscribed. It is most desir- 
able, therefore, that a new translation be made 
of the " De Vita," in which rarely is any word 
given but what has been written by the devout 
author himself. This is as necessarv as the 
re-authentication of its real author; that the 
public may have some confidence that they are 
using a most precious and veritable treatise by 
the 'author of the Imitation — Thomas a Kempis. 
Though the story of the blessed Gospel is 
now so familiar to the minds of the humblest 
reader, through the free circulation of the Holy 
Scriptures, yet it may not come with that fresh- 
ness and delight, and eager desire to know 
more about the things revealed to us, as it did 
to many in the days previous to the actual 
Eeformation. Nevertheless, we may conceive 
what a boon the u De Vita" must have been at 
that time to earnest Christian souls, just emerg- 
ing out of the darkness with which they 
had been encompassed. This priceless volume 
would be as a little Gospel to them, to enlighten 
their minds, to press home to their consciences 
its deep importance. It would be to them like 
a guide, who, being well versed in the sacred 
story, would lead them through it in some 



xlviii Preface. 

orderly manner. The touching pages point 
our attention to the various scenes of the Di- 
vine Life of our Master on earth as they hap- 
pened, and tell us about each one of them — the 
particulars and the holy words He spake from 
time to time — that we may become deeply inter- 
ested in each event, and learn holy lessons from 
them all. 

Even in these days, though it may be said 
that we are living in the full blaze of Gospel 
light, the u De Vita" has a definite value for 
us. It must be remembered, that there is still 
a knowledge and interest in the lif e of Jesus to 
be obtained over and above the common, or, as 
Thomas would call it, the exterior reading or 
understanding of the Gospel. We are enabled 
to gain from it something far more valuable 
than the mere outward sense of the words — 
even a saving knowledge of Divine Truth. In 
heart and life we are drawn to Jesus with a 
deeper love and attachment, and become one 
with Him to our infinite delight. Hear what 
Thomas a Kempis says in the Imitation to im- 
press this truth upon us : — 

" Remember the profession you made, and 
set always before your eyes the image of the 
Crucified." 

" You may well be ashamed as you contem- 
plate the life of Jesus Christ, when you see how 



Preface. xlix 

little you have endeavored to make your own 
life like His — long as you have walked in God's 
way. 

" A religious person, who earnestly and de- 
voutly gives himself to the contemplation of the 
most holy life and passion of our Lord, will 
find in it abundance of all that is profitable and 
needful for him ; nor mil he require to seek out 
of Jesus for anything better. 

"O, if Jesus crucified could enter into our 
hearts, how quickly should we learn all that is 
necessary" (book i., chapter xxv.). 

Or again, as it is rendered in the rhythmic 
version : — 

" Your thoughts must be with God on high, 
Your prayers unceasingly must go straight up to 

Christ. 
And if you know not how to muse on high and 

heavenly themes, 
Rest your thoughts on what Christ suffered. 
And let them love to dwell upon His holy wounds ; 
For if you hurry with good thoughts 
To Jesus' wounds and to the precious nail-prints, 
In your trials you will feel great comfort ; 
You will think but little of the scorn of men, 
And with ease you will endure detracting words." 

Book ii., chapter i. 

. Thomas a Kempis thus, once more and again, 
recommends to us the use of such a work as 
the " De Vita." It was his great and longing 



1 Preface. 

desire to lead men to Christ Himself , to learn 
of Him : that, however excellent, comprehen- 
sive, and engaging were the words of His ser- 
vants, and the sayings of His Saints, it was 
better to come ourselves to the Master Himself, 
and be taught " from the simplicity that is in 
Christ Jesus." His life, simply, truthfully, and 
touchingly told, is still the best book for learn- 
ing the true life of a Christian. 

There is, we may be sure, a w r onderf ul power 
in the sacred exercise this book brings before 
us; the influence of which is not sufficiently 
comprehended, and consequently will not be so 
diligently sought for as it should be. We 
know, even in ordinary life, how r it occasionally 
happens that, when a person constantly asso- 
ciates with another individual living on a higher 
level than he himself has hitherto done, how 
gradually and insensibly he is lifted up above 
himself, and becomes like to him whose whole 
conversation he so justly admires ; so that in a 
few years a remarkable improvement of char- 
acter takes place. And so, only in a greater 
degree, is it with those earnest souls who live 
much with Jesus; having His life constantly 
before them, daily and hourly learning from 
Him. By more intimate acquaintance with 
Christ, they are not only drawn nearer to Him, 
but are drawn to love Him more deeply, to 



Preface, K 

trust in Him more entirely, and become more 
like Him in their daily living. 

This may be said of prayer in general, but 
the result to which we allude is more fully 
secured, when our prayers and devotions are 
especially directed to the lif e and loving-kind- 
nesses of the Lord Jesus. The contemplation 
of the sorrows and inconveniences, the shame 
and desertion, the Cross and Passion, and the 
horrible death, which the Lord willingly en- 
dured for us, should teach and beget in us the 
spirit of self-sacrifice and self-denial, a readiness 
to live and lay ourselves out — our means and 
abilities and gifts — for the good of others. The 
soul becomes steadily centred on Christ, until 
His image is stamped upon it. A marvellous 
and transforming influence is wrought in those 
who, day by day and year by year, constantly 
have His life before them, and prayerfully 
mark His blessed footsteps. In time this most 
sacred exercise will manifest itself even in the 
outward appearance, so that men will take 
" knowledge of them that they have been with 
Jesus. 7 ' This will happen to them, of which St. 
Paul speaks : " We all, with open face behold- 
ing as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are 
changed into the same image from glory to 
glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord" (2 
Cor. iii. 18). 



tii Preface. 

A few observations must be made about this 
undertaking before concluding. As in some 
of the former editions of the Imitation it was 
found desirable to omit certain passages, so 
also has it been felt advisable to do so, even to 
a greater extent, in the " De Vita." Any words 
sanctioning Mariolatry, and the Invocation of 
Saints or Angels, or any occasional allusion to 
some corruption or error prevalent in the Pre- 
Reformation Church, are carefully excluded. 
Indeed, three entire chapters are left out : two 
in the second Part, which, to a certain extent, 
repeat what had gone before ; the other chapter 
is in the third Part, founded on Christ's appear- 
ance after His Resurrection to the Virgin Mary. 
That appearance has no authority in Holy 
Scripture, or in the primitive Church, and can 
only have been imaginary or conjectural. 

The initial words of almost all the chapters 
— viz., " I bless and give Thee thanks," etc., 
together with the various titles of our Lord 
Jesus Christ, are carefully retained, as suitable 
to the opening of fresh points in our Saviour's 
life. The reader must not look for a full his- 
torical narrative, or any critical account of the 
life of Christ, but rather for graphic and im- 
pressive pictures of the great scenes or outlines, 
drawn by the pen of a most devoted and loving 
follower of our Lord. In these the most notice- 



Preface. Hii 

able circumstances of His life are severally, in 
the first place, unfolded to our view, and made 
the subject of fervent thanksgiving. Then, in 
the second place, each is enlarged upon by way 
of meditation. Thus our affections are sweetly 
drawn to Christ, and kindled into a holy flame 
of zealous love for Him. And thirdly, after 
the heart is thus devoutly exercised with the 
warm recognition of all that Christ has done 
and suffered for him, the reader is led to make 
an earnest supplication that he may enjoy the 
fruits thereof, and be made thoroughly con- 
formable to the blessed steps of His most holy 
life. 



S.K 



Eastbourne, 1891, 



PART I. 



FROM THE INCARNATION OF CHRIST 
TO HIS PASSION. 



CHAPTER I. 

A MEDITATION OR PRAYER CALLING ON US TO 
PRAISE GOD FOR HIS EXCELLENT GREATNESS. 

OLORD my God, I desire to praise Thee, 
for to that end was I created. Open 
Thou my mouth in Thy praise, that I may sing 
to the glory of Thy Name. Rouse my heart to 
Thee, keep from me all weariness, infuse grace, 
kindle in me love, that I may pay Thee the 
due tribute of grateful thanks. 

Take away the iniquity of Thy servant, 
cleanse me from all pollution of flesh and spirit, 
that my lips may worthily honor Thy holy 
Name. 

But who can fully declare the profound dig- 
nity of Thy Majesty — who can fully utter its 
praise ? Lo ! all the powers of heaven, all the 
holy Angels cannot attain thereto. How infi- 
nitely less then frail man, who is corrupt and 
but a worm! All creation, all reason, every 
tongue and language, cannot duly praise Thee. 

What then? Because I cannot worthily 
praise Thee, shall I close my lips ? Because I 



6 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

know that I am unclean and insufficient, shall 
I therefore be silent as one altogether dumb ? 

Far from me be that ingratitude, when rea- 
sonable man, whom Thou hast endowed so plen- 
teously, should above all Thy creatures sing to 
Thy glory. 

O Thou Father of mercies and God of infinite 
goodness ! I know, indeed, and with all my 
heart confess, that I am before Thee a sinner 
most unworthy; and ought, with downcast 
look and with tears and sighs, to plead for 
pardon, rather than with polluted lips laud and 
make mention of Thy most holy Name. 

Yet, trusting in Thy tender mercy and inher- 
ent sweetness, I desire, from the very depths of 
my soul, to laud Thee ; praying Thee with the 
bowels of Thy compassion not to despise me as 
vile and corruptible, nor to hold me back from 
praising Thy glorious Name • but so to quicken 
and move my inner soul, that with devout and 
joyful voice I may gladly honor Thee. 

Thou, O Lord God, art Thine own praise, 
neither canst Thou be praised with befitting 
dignity, save by Thyself, who art the Maker 
and Controller of all things; from whom all 
things have their beginning, their virtue, and 
their operation, tending to the glory and honor 
of Thy Name. 

Thou art, therefore, ever to be praised and 



Meditations on the Life of Christ 7 

magnified throughout all creation. But Thy 
Name far transcends all utterance. Tongue 
cannot utter all Thy praise, when the mind, 
contemplating Thy Majesty, would fain extol 
Thee as Thou art, according to Thy excellent 
greatness. 

Let therefore Thine own incomprehensible 
Essence, O my God, Thine inexpressible Om- 
nipotence, Thine unsearchable Wisdom, Thine 
unutterable Sweetness, Thine immeasurable 
Holiness, praise Thee. 

Let Thy pre-eminent Goodness, Thy bound- 
less Mercy, Thine everlasting Strength, Thine 
ineffable Majesty, praise Thee. 

Let Thine infallible Truth, Thine unchange- 
able Equity, Thy never-failing Light, Thy most 
perfect Knowledge, and Thine inviolable Sub- 
stance, praise Thee. 

Let Thy most righteous Justice, Thy most pro- 
found Decrees, Thy calm and loving Govern- 
ment, and Thy resistless Power, praise Thee. 

Let Thy wondrous Majesty, Thy supreme 
Loving-kindness, Thy most benign Good-pleas- 
ure, Thy most fair Beauty, and Thy most tender 
Compassion, praise Thee. 

Let every title that can show forth Thy 
greatness, every word that can be uttered in 
proclaiming Thee, praise Thee and magnify 
Thee for ever. 



8 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

Let the whole Court of Heaven unceasingly 
and for ever extol Thy divine Majesty. 

Let the thousand thousands of Angels, serv- 
ing Thee with due reverence, sing aloud to Thy 
Name their songs of infinite thankfulness. 

And let the heavenly citizens, ten thousand 
times ten thousand, who for ever stand before 
Thee, praise Thee with boundless joy, and adore 
Thee with the deepest reverence. 

And on my behalf, let all this most blissful 
assembly of the celestial Court salute Thee 
with the most devout and acceptable salutation, 
praising and glorifying Thee for ever. 

Let also the pure and bright aspirations of 
the Saints, and all the mellifluous eloquence of 
the Doctors, every distinct virtue, every perfect 
desire exercised in honor of Thy Name, with the 
universal melody of all creation, bless Thee to 
the utmost, and throughout all ages extol Thy 
glorious Deity. 

And let all Thy Saints and Thine Elect, 
whose names are written in the Book of 
Life, laud and glorify Thee with perpetual 
praise. 

Blessed Lord God, I entreat Thee for the full 
remission of my sins, for a good death and a 
peaceful departure. May I escape the bitter 
pains of eternal punishment, and enjoy the 
beatific vision of celestial glory. May I in 



Meditations on the Life of Christ 9 

Christ, be found worthy to dwell in Thy pres- 
ence for ever. 



CHAPTER H. 



ON THE CREATION OF THE FIRST MAN, AND HIS 
MISERABLE FALL. 

I BLESS and give Thee thanks, O Holy 
Trinity, and inseparable Unity — Father, 
Son, and Holy Ghost — Thou One true omnipo- 
tent God, who, to declare the unspeakable 
bounty of Thy Goodness, didst in the beginning 
create the heavens and the earth, the sea, and 
all that in them is ; and hast raised man, by a 
peculiar honor and dignity, above Thy other 
creatures, to Thy image and likeness, by mak- 
ing him powerful in dominion, wise in reason, 
and innocent in life. 

I praise and glorify Thee, for the lavish 
bounty with which Thou didst honor man in 
Paradise with delights flowing to him on every 
side ; that, possessing them all to Thy perpetual 
praise and glory, he might have the fruition of 
things above, and the government of those be- 
low. 

I praise and magnify Thee, O most holy God, 
for Thy excellent mercy and unutterable com- 
passion, in sparing man from irreparable con- 



10 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

demnation, when he with base ingratitude f or^ 
gat all Thy benefits ; banishing him for his sins 
from the delights of Paradise, that he might 
be led to penitence. 

For, although by his transgression he merited 
eternal punishment, being totally undeserving 
of pardon, yet Thou didst not inflict the full 
severity of Thy justice, but rather didst display 
the sweetness of Thine ineffable mercy; by 
placing him under the yoke of a fitting peni- 
tence, and extending to him in due season the 
soothing balm of Thy long-desired pardon. 

And this was so done, that the rational being, 
who wilfully fell through his own iniquity, 
might be saved by Thy grace. Hence all faith- 
ful souls ought ever to render thanks to Thee, 
and not trust in their own strength, nor glory 
in their own righteousness. 

For we are Thy creatures, O my God ; we 
subsist by Thy goodness, and of Thy bounty 
receive what we have. Yet, by our proneness 
to evil, how quickly we slip and fall. And, 
unless we were again raised up and established 
under the safeguard of Thy mercy, we should 
for ever be transgressing, and so pine away in 
our iniquities. 

Therefore, O most gracious God, we implore 
Thy compassion, we call to mind the abundance 
of Thy loving-kindness. With sweet accents we 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 11 

announce Thy gentleness, and tell it out with 
gladness. 

Yea, now with grateful hearts we offer to 
Thee the sacrifice of holy praise for the multi- 
tude of Thy f avors, which Thou hast so plenti- 
fully showered on us Thy children, sold under 
sin. 



CHAPTER III. 

ON THE RECOVERY OF MAN, AND THE PROMISE 
OF CHRIST'S ADVENT. 

OLORD GOD, Almighty and Merciful, 
Whose nature is love, Whose will is 
power, Whose property it is ever to have com- 
passion, I bless Thee and give Thee thanks for 
Thine infinite pity and gracious goodness, with 
which Thou didst hasten to recall man, deceived 
by the guile of the devil, and prostrated by 
contact with deadly sin, from his manifold 
transgressions and defilements, by the way 
of penitence, to a state of well-doing. For, 
through the quickening promise of Thine Ad- 
vent, Thou didst grant unto him the hope of 
pardon, Thou didst abundantly bestow upon 
him the comforting prospect of salvation. 

And, lest man should at any time make 
ignorance a plea for his ill-doing, Thou hast 



12 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

guarded him from error by frequent admoni- 
tions, by revealing Thy Law, by inflicting 
plagues, by open judgments on sinners, by 
abundant signs, by promise of future bless- 
ings ; so that all might be without excuse, who 
are not converted to Thy worship and to the 
knowledge of the Truth. 

For, during the five ages of Patriarchs, 
Judges, Priests, Kings, and Prophets, from 
righteous Abel unto John the Baptist, Thy 
Forerunner, Thou didst not cease by signs and 
oracles wonderful and many to foretell, prom- 
ise, and prefigure Thy desired Advent; that, 
by so many witnesses preceding Thee and 
declaring Thy mysteries, Thou mightest stir up 
our minds to receive the Faith, and ardently 
inflame our dull affections by the lively exam- 
ples of so many ancient Fathers. 



CHAPTER IV. 

ON THE REDEMPTION OF THE HUMAN RACE 
THROUGH THE MYSTERY OF THE INCARNATE 
WORD. 

I BLESS and give Thee thanks, O Lord God, 
Thou Creator and Redeemer of mankind, 
for Thy exceeding great Loving-kindness, 



Meditations on the Life of Christ 13 

whereby Thou wouldest that man, wonderfully 
created, should be the more wonderfully 
restored. 

For, when we were yet Thine enemies and 
death had long exercised an evil power over the 
whole family of man, Thou didst call to mind 
Thine abundant mercies and look down from 
the sublime habitation of Thy glory into this 
vale of tears and misery. 

Forasmuch as Thou sawest on earth the great 
affliction of Thy people, the grievous burden of 
the sons of Adam; inwardly moved by the 
sweetness of Thine inherent love, Thou didst, 
in Thy wisdom, devise peace and redemption 
for us. 

For, when the fulness of time was come, 
Thou, the Day-spring from on high, earnest to 
visit us, and didst fulfil the desires of the 
Prophets by manifesting Thyself in Thine 
assumed flesh, and appearing among men — very 
God and very man. 

I bless and praise Thee, O Jesus Christ, our 
Saviour, for Thy exceeding great humility in 
deigning to choose as Thy Mother a lowly 
maiden; whom also Thou didst cause to be 
espoused to the poor carpenter Joseph — a man 
truly just and devout. 

I bless Thee for the glorious Annunciation 
of Thy Incarnation, and for the holy Angelic 



14 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

Salutation, with which the Angel Gabriel did 
hail the Blessed Virgin Mary, declaring to her 
the divine mystery, that from her the Son of 
God should be Incarnate. 

I praise and glorify Thee for the wondrous 
faith of the Virgin Mary, for her firm assent 
and the lowliness of her answer; for all her 
virtues specially manifested when thus obedi- 
ently she responded to the glad tidings of the 
Archangel: — " Behold the handmaid of the 
Lord, be it unto me according to Thy Word." 

I praise and glorify Thee, O Eternal Wisdom 
of the Father, for the amazing descent of Thy 
unattainable Majesty into the common prison- 
house of our mortal nature, and for Thy sinless 
Conception by the Wonderful co-operation of 
the Holy Spirit. For in the virgin womb of 
Mary, the ineffable power of the Most High 
overshadowing her, Thy sacred and adorable 
body was formed from the flesh of an undefiled 
virgin. For Thou, the true God, consubstantial 
with the eternal Father, wast made one flesh 
with us without the contagion of sin; that 
Thou mightest make us one Spirit with Thee 
through the adoption of the Sons of God. 

I praise and magnify Thee for the sponta- 
neous emptying Thyself of Thy glorious ful- 
ness, and lovingly taking upon Thee our suffer- 
ings, our lowliness, our weakness, and our mor- 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 15 

tality; that Thou mightest replenish us by 
emptying Thyself, heal us by Thy sufferings, 
exalt us by Thy lowliness, strengthen us by 
Thy weakness, and by Thy mortality bring us 
to a glorious immortality. 

I praise and highly exalt Thee, that Thou, 
who in Thy Divinity hast neither times nor 
years, but hast ordained to every operation of 
nature its proper season and order, didst await 
the due time of birth, and for nine months wert 
hidden within the narrow limits of a Virgin's 
womb. 

O what loving and wondrous condescension, 
that Thou, who art endless and essential Glory, 
shouldest not abhor being made a despised 
worm ; that Thou, Who hast created all things 
by Thy word, shouldest for our deliverance 
willingly bear our sorrows ! 

O most sweet Jesus, the brightness of Eternal 
Grlory, the lower Thou madest Thyself in hu- 
manity the more didst Thou show forth to me 
Thy goodness; the more Thou becamest vile 
for me, the more art Thou precious to my soul. 



16 Meditations on the Life of Christ 



CHAPTER V. 

ON THE NATIVITY AND POVERTY OF JESUS. 

I BLESS and give Thee thanks, O Lord 
Jesu Christ, the Only-begotten of the 
Father, unutterably born before all worlds, 
that Thou didst vouchsafe, in Thy great humil- 
ity, to be born in a cattle-soiled stable, that from 
love of holy poverty Thou didst find lowly rest 
in a manger. 

I praise Thee, O most loving Jesus, for Thy 
transcendent origin, for Thy glorious Nativity 
from the Blessed Virgin Mary, for Thy poverty 
and humble repose in so small and so mean a 
cradle. 

Who can worthily meditate on the most high 
God becoming so low for the sake of man. O, 
what cries of gratitude should he raise unto 
Thee, Who, for his redemption, didst choose 
the narrow manger. 

O boundless mercy ! O marvellous sweet- 
ness ! O most comforting love ! God, born 
as a little child, wrapped in swaddling clothes 
of little worth, placed in the narrow crib among 
the brute creatures of His hands. O Humility 
incomprehensible ! that the Lord of all Lords 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 17 

should deign with His servants to be a fellow- 
servant. 

But, O Lord God, little was it to Thee that 
Thou, who art my Creator, shouldest be my 
Father, and deign also to become my Brother, 
as very man — my flesh, yet without its corrup- 
tion. 

O Nativity, above nature, yet for the restora- 
tion thereof ! surpassing all ordinary births by 
the majesty of the miracle ; and by divine vir- 
tue comforting man in his sad entrance into 
life. 

how blessed and most lovely was Thy 
Nativity, most sweet Jesus ! Thou Child of 
the excellent Virgin, Offspring of Thy Blessed 
Mother Mary, Who dost repair the flaws of 
man's birth, renews his condition, cancels prej- 
udice, blotting out the handwriting against 
him. Thus, when distressed as born a child of 
wrath from the stock of Adam, he can rejoice 
in Thy undefiled Nativity, well assured that by 
Thy grace he is most happily regenerate. 

1 give Thee thanks for Thy freely-bestowed 
and glorious Nativity, O Jesus Christ, Thou 
Only-begotten Son of God, through whom we 
have access to this grace, wherein we stand and 
trust; looking hopefully for the glory of the 
sons of God, promised anew to us from Heaven. 

Thou art the pledge of our Redemption. 



18 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

Thou art the eternal hope of all. To Thee as 
suppliant sinners we flee for refuge, for Thou 
didst search us out, when as yet we had no 
knowledge of Thee. 

O holy and sweet Childhood, which infusest 
true innocency into the heart of man, by which 
every age may return to a blessed infancy and 
be made like unto Thee, not in littleness of 
body, but by humility of the senses and godli- 
ness of conversation. 

Grant unto me, O benign Jesus, to follow the 
holy steps of Thy lowliness and poverty ; Who, 
to give unto all men an example of holiness and 
the remedy of eternal salvation, wast willing to 
be born of the Virgin Mary in the hour of mid- 
night. 

Bid me, with the Angels and all the heavenly 
host, whom Thou madest the joyful heralds of 
Thy Nativity, devoutly to sing, with grateful 
heart, thanks and praise to Thee. Amen. 



CHAPTER VI. 

ON THE TRIALS AND WANTS OF JESUS IN 
POVERTY. 

OLORD JBSU CHRIST, I bless and give 
Thee thanks for Thy gracious endurance 
of many trials, even at the very beginning of 



Meditations on the Life of Christ 19 

Thy nativity, and for Thy harsh taste of ex- 
treme poverty. 

For, when Thou, O God, wast born into the 
world, Thou didst choose the night season for 
privacy, and the cold of winter for Thy delight. 

Nor didst Thou seek a brilliant palace meet 
for Thy royal dignity, but a small crib to pro- 
tect Thy tender infancy. 

O poverty most poor, in that Thou, Who 
rulest the universe and didst for Adam make 
a coat of skins, and with a wondrous variety 
adorn the heaven with stars, the earth with 
flowers, and the cattle with hairy hides, hadst 
scarcely coarse clothing enough to swathe 
Thee! 

O holy poverty of the Son of God! more 
precious far than all the riches of the world ; 
who, in its fulness can approach thereto ? Who 
of the family of man hath e'er endured such 
straits ? What record, what tongue, what ex- 
ample tells of Saint of old, who, when life 
began, suffered misery so early ? 

Therefore, to Thee, O Jesu, glorious King, 
Thou lovely Child, do I most heartily present 
my fullest praises ; beseeching Thy sweetness, 
that Thou wouldest grant me lovingly to em- 
brace the gifts of Thy holy penury, and by Thy 
grace to endure such trials with a patient spirit. 
- Thou didst come down from Heaven that 



20 Meditations on the Life of Christ, 

Thou mightest make poverty our delight ; and 
becamest poor by assuming what attaches to 
man, although, in that which is Thine Own, 
Thou art ever rich and abounding. 

I highly extol Thee for the assumption of our 
poverty and weakness, for to Thee were we so 
dear, that Thou, by a participation of our frail 
nature, having laid aside Thy royal diadem, 
didst humble Thyself to be numbered as one of 
the sons of Adam, yet ever utterly free from 
every stain of sin. 



CHAPTER VII. 

ON THE CRIES OF THE INFANT JESUS. 

OLORD JESU CHRIST, Thou joy of 
Angels, Thou Consoler of the miserable, 
I bless and give Thee thanks for the tears and 
cries of Thine infancy, by which Thou didst 
sorrowfully bewail the sins of the sons of 
Adam. 

Wondrous truth, stupendous condescension ! 
That God, whom Angels laud in heayen, should 
cry as a cradled infant ; that He, who dispenses 
life, and sustains all, should, as a mortal being, 
draw a mother's breasts; He, who speaks by 
thunder, and waters the earth with showers, 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 21 

should be held in the hands and carried in the 
arms as a helpless infant. 

Behold how the lowest things are joined to- 
gether with the highest; things human with 
those that are divine ! Therefore the weepings 
of Thy wailing infancy purify me, and Thy 
tears deplore my sins. 

To Thy sorrows then, Lord, am I the more 
indebted, in that I have been redeemed, than to 
Thy works that Thou hast created me. 

O how much ought I to grieve for my sins, 
since Thou, O Lord, didst never cease to bewail 
them! 

O how deep were the wounds of my soul, 
that Thou shouldest for their healing pour forth 
Thy tears so plenteously ! 

Yet it is not wonderful, nor is it against 
reason, to think that in compassion Thou 
shouldest so sorrow ; seeing that Thou earnest 
to shed Thy most precious Blood, to cleanse us 
from our every sin. 

Therefore I praise Thee, O beloved Jesus, 
and evermore will I extol Thee for Thy most 
tender compassion on me, a miserable sinner. 



22 Meditations on the Life of Christ 



CHAPTER VIII. 

ON THE NURTURE OF THE INFANT JESUS. 

OLORD JESU CHRIST, Thou never fail- 
ing Fountain of life, I bless and give 
Thee thanks for Thy receiving nourishment 
from the breasts of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 
with whose sacred milk Thou wast fed : Thou, 
who Thyself art the Feeder of all— -the food and 
sustenance of Angels. 

O the ineffable sweetness of divine condescen- 
sion to man ! Who can worthily estimate the 
greatness of the Sacrament, and the favor to 
man, in that God Himself draws the breasts of 
flesh, and is nourished by a Virgin's milk ? 

O Lord, who didst stoop to the necessities of 
human frailty, with what tenderness of love art 
Thou united to me. 

O great and tremendous mystery, that Thou, 
one and the same Person, art declared to be 
God of God the Father, and very man of a 
virgin mother ; and believed to be One and the 
same, the Son of a woman, and the Only-Begot- 
ten of the Father's glory. One and the same, 
Thou art made a partaker of man's nature, and 
art worshipped as the Lord of Angels. 



Meditations on the Life of Christ . 23 

Wherefore I bless Thee and praise Thine 
ineffable sweetness, that Thou didst in lowliness 
draw Thy Mother's breast ; showing clearly that 
Thou didst derive Thy fleshly nature from Thy 
Virgin Mother. 

O Thou, who feedest all things, and wast 
content with such moderate provision, feed my 
soul with the food of Thy Holy "Word; and 
grant me to serve Thee with thanksgiving, so 
long as I dwell in this my poor frail body. 



CHAPTER IX. 

ON THE PAINFUL CIRCUMCISION OF THE INNO- 
CENT JESUS. 

OLORD JESU CHRIST, Thou Saviour 
of the world, Thou Fountain of purity, 
Thou Protector of perfect innocence, I bless 
and give Thee thanks for the painful circum- 
cision of Thy flesh 5 to which Thou, free from 
all pollution, didst subject Thyself, keeping in 
every way the tradition of the Law of Moses. 

I praise Thee for the first shedding of Thine 
innocent blood, which on this dav Thou didst 
pour forth for us. 

O most meek Lamb of God, how deeply are 
we indebted to Thy love, how great the virtue 



24 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

of Thy patience; when, at so tender an age, 
Thy sacred and spotless flesh did suffer. 

I have sinned, but Thou payest the penalty 
of my transgression. I was conceived and 
born in sin, but Thou, that art ever sinless, 
endurest for me the brand of vengeance. 

Because I could not make to Thee satisfaction 
for mine offences, Thou didst in mercy come to 
my succor, and apply, through the Circumcision 
of Thy flesh, a cleansing remedy to my soul. 

Neither still is it marvellous, for Thou wast 
ready to be slain for all. Since wholly wast 
Thou given for me, wholly also for my benefit 
hast Thou been expended. 

O good and most gracious Jesus, who in 
Thine innocent Body didst suffer for me, purify 
my every member, and, according to Thy holy 
Life, direct all my doings and regulate my 
whole nature. 

Whatever Thou findest in me that is carnal, 
cast it utterly away. Remove from me all that 
Thou seest unclean in me. Keep down with 
Thy strict discipline all that is vain and light 
in me ; that, being inwardly cleansed from sin 
and adorned with the beauty of holiness, I may 
have a perpetual love of Thy holy Name, and 
be found a meet partaker of Thy heavenly 
kingdom. 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 25 



CHAPTER X. 

ON THE GIVING THE MOST SWEET AND SAVING 
NAME OF JESUS. 

I BLESS and give Thee thanks, O Lord 
Jesu Christ, for the new, saving, and 
adorable Name that was given to Thee — that 
Thou wert called Jesus. 

This Name was first announced by the Angel 
to the Virgin Mary; afterwards revealed to 
St. Joseph in a dream ■ and on this day made 
Thine by Thy parents. 

O most sweet Name of Jesus, blessed beyond 
every Name in heaven above and on earth be- 
low! According to Thy Name Jesus, so be 
Thy praise to the ends of the earth. 

Praised be Thy Name from the rising up 
of the sun to the going down thereof; most 
worthy is it to be glorified from this time forth 
for evermore. 

To Thee by the Father,- from everlasting, was 
this most holy and blessed Name made Thine, 
and in due season manifested unto men. 

" For there is none other Name under heaven 
given among men whereby we must be saved." 

Just is it, therefore, that "at the Name of 
Jesus every knee should bow, of things in 



26 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

heaven, and things in earth, and things under 
the earth"; and every tongue should confess 
Thy holy Name, in that Thou art Jesus Christ 
our Saviour and Redeemer. 

most sweet Jesus, how excellent is Thy 
Name in all the world! For Thy Name is 
magnified far above the name of Solomon, yea 
above all kings that were before him, or shall 
be after him. 

All kings of the earth, therefore, shall fall 
down before Thee ; all nations and languages 
shall serve Thee ; for Thou art the Lord our 
God, the King and Saviour of all who follow 
Thee, and love the Name of Christ. 

O sweet and saving Name of Jesus, which 
heals all diseases, enlightens our minds, in- 
flames our hearts, dispels sadness, softens 
anger, yields peace and concord, nourishes love 
— yea, turns our very sorrows into joy. 

This most lovely Name an Archangel brought 
down from heaven to earth. Apostles preached 
it throughout the world, and for it the Martyrs 
suffered. 

This Name Confessors have proclaimed with 
no uncertain sound ; holy virgins have tenderly 
loved it ; old and young have sung its praises, 
and thousand thousands of the faithful have 
chosen death, rather than deny the sweet Name 
of Jesus. 



Meditations on the Life of Christ 27 

This saving Name kings and princes now 
adore ; Priests and Doctors declare it ; all the 
faithful in Christ, renouncing the world and 
the devil, hold It in special reverence and love ; 
on It they rest their hope of Salvation, for Jesus 
is the Saviour and Protector of all who, as His, 
with a firm and loving faith, abide in Him. 

O sweet Jesus, my one, my only Saviour! 
write Thy blessed Name on my heart, not in the 
letter but in spirit, there to remain so indelibly 
engraven, that no prosperity, no adversity shall 
ever move me from Thy love. 

Be Thou to me a strong tower from the 
face of the enemy, a comforter in tribulation, 
a counsellor in doubt, a deliverer in distress, a 
very present help in trouble, a guide in be- 
havior, a reclaimer from error, and a faithful 
leader to the courts of heaven through the 
many temptations and dangers of this life. 
Amen. 

CHAPTER XI. 

ON THE MANIFESTATION OF JESUS, AND THE 
DEVOUT OFFERINGS OF THE HOLY KINGS. 

I BLESS and give Thee thanks, O Lord Jesu 
Christ, Thou Prince of the rulers of the 
earth, for Thy glorious Manifestation to the 
three Kings. 



28 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

For when Thou wast born in Bethlehem of 
Judaea, Thou didst forthwith reveal Thy Majesty 
to men of a far-off land. Leading them by a 
heavenly light to Thy miserable dwelling-place. 
Thou didst manifest to them Thy state of holy 
poverty. 

God, great and wonderful! Thou alone 
orderest all things, and doest great works in 
heaven above. Thou wast not ashamed to ap- 
pear before so many kings and nobles, poor 
and unadorned — an example of lowly indigence. 

For, neither the place nor the habit assumed 
for us didst Thou change for aught more 
splendid; in one and the same way before 
shepherds and kings didst Thou manifest Thy- 
self. 

1 praise Thine ineffable compassion for the 
first-fruits of the Gentiles, for Thy call of the 
Heathen ■ whom from the far-off East Thou 
didst, by secret inspiration, draw to the light 
of the Gospel. 

There are not found in Israel among her 
princes those who, with so much glory and 
faith, hasten to search out the place of Thy 
Nativity. The faith of these strangers was 
brighter far — their devotion far more fervent. 

I glorify Thee for the marvellous enlighten- 
ment of the Gentiles. So gloriously didst Thou 
shine into the dark minds of these men of the 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 29 

East, that, with undoubting faith, they followed 
over wide regions the heaven-shown sign. 

With the holy Magi I reverently adore Thee ; 
longing so to walk in their footsteps, that I 
may offer to Thee, with devout affection, the 
three precious gifts, which in themselves con- 
tain the high mysteries of the faith. 

Falling down before Thee they presented gold 
in token of Thy royal dignity ; frankincense in 
veneration of Thy divine majesty, and myrrh 
to tell of Thy assumed mortality. 

Wherefore, O Lord most merciful, King of 
Kings, O Jesu Christ, Thou Ruler of the uni- 
verse, accept from the hand of Thy unworthy 
servant the mystical offering, that I ? in the 
spirit of these holy Kings, this day devoutly 
present unto Thee. 

I offer to Thee, now and for ever, first, a 
sound faith, a firm hope, and a pure love. I 
believe Thee to be the Ruler of all things in 
heaven and on earth. I adore Thee, Very God, 
the Only-Begotten of the Father. For my 
Salvation I confess that Thou didst take of the 
Virgin Mary a mortal body. 

Further, accept, I pray Thee, three other 
gifts, containing within themselves a sweet- 
smelling savor. Lo, I present unto Thee that 
which I received from Thee ; I relinquish, out 
of love for Thee, all my worldly goods. I wish 



30 Meditations on the Life of Christ, 

not in this life to call anything my own. My 
desire is to be content with plain food and sim- 
ple clothing. In this lies the trne oblation of 
precious gold. 

I also add the gift of f rankincense, by which 
is signified the incense of devout prayer for my 
own sins ; pleading with sighs and tears, thank- 
ing Thee for many mercies, and grieving for 
all who are afflicted or distressed. This is the 
burning of sweet frankincense, so acceptable 
unto Thee. 

I offer unto Thee also the spices of myrrh, in 
memory of Thy most bitter Passion, longing, by 
a stern self-denial, to go on unto perfection. 

For as often as I, through love of Thee, call 
to mind Thy cruel sufferings, I present unto 
Thee acceptable incense. 

And, when I overcome my evil desires and 
renounce mine own will, then do I bruise fra- 
grant myrrh in my heart, that from thence a 
fitting sacrifice may be prepared for Thee. 

O how happy should I be, could I offer to 
my Jesus plenteous myrrh, by gathering to- 
gether all the labors, the sorrows, and the bit- 
terness of Thy Passion ! 

For, by such a mingling of myrrh and frank- 
incense, the faithful soul is moved to ardent 
amendment, to deeds of penitence, and crucify- 
ing of the flesh. 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 31 

O Jesu Christ, I give Thee thanks for the 
profound sanctity of this day, adorned as it 
was by Thee with three glorious miracles. On 
this day, by the guidance of a star, Thou didst 
lead the three Kings to Thy manger; to-day 
Thou wast baptized of John in Jordan ; on this 
day Thou turnedst water into wine at the mar- 
riage feast, clearly in all proving Thyself both 
God and man. 

I, therefore, pray Thee, O lowly and gracious 
Lord, that Thou wilt not suffer me to be led 
astray by Herodian delusions, by the honors of 
the world, and the allurements of the flesh, but 
so guide me with the blessed Magi in the right 
way to the heaven of heavens, that I may be 
found meet to behold Thee in everlasting glory. 



CHAPTER XII. 

ON THE PURIFICATION OF THE BLESSED MARY, 
AND ON THE PRESENTATION OF THE CHILD 
JESUS. 

I BLESS and give Thee thanks, O Lord 
Jesu Christ, author of purity, for Thy lowly 
presentation in the Temple of God; where, 
with sacrifices and gifts, Thou wast offered by 
Thy parents as one of the sons of Adam, and 



32 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

redeemed with five pieces of silver, as it were 
some slave set forth for sale. 

I bless Thee, most holy Redeemer of the 
world, for Thy meek submission to the divine 
Law. Free from the debt of transgression 
Thou didst show Thyself to us an example of 
perfect obedience ; in that Thou madest Thy- 
self in all things subject to the Law. 

I glorify Thee for the exceeding great humil- 
ity of Thy blessed Mother, and for her willing 
attention to the precept of the Law. Ever a 
holy Virgin, nevertheless she refused not the 
cleansing rite of Purification. 

O grateful oblation ! O sweet satisfaction ! 
for it was voluntary — yea, it was complete and 
free from all fault. 

What shall I offer, what shall I render unto 
Thee, O Lord, for all the benefits Thou hast 
bestowed on me ? A poor sinner, helpless and 
contemptible, what can I give unto Thee ? I 
can but entirely resign myself, body and soul, 
into Thine hands. 

O how needful for me is purification — the 
cleansing from my sins ! Fitting satisfaction 
necessary for mine offences, sinner as I am, 
defiled with pollutions innumerable. 

Therefore, to Thee I look, most benign Lord 
Jesu Christ, and pray that Thou wouldest 
vouchsafe to make satisfaction for me, and by 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 33 

a perfect oblation of Thyself wash away all my 
sins ; so that, cleansed and purified, I may be 
deemed worthy to enter the Temple of Thy 
heavenly habitation, there to praise Thy blessed 
Name for ever. 

I offer unto Thee a pair of turtle-doves — a 
double compunction of soul ; I bewail my sins 
and my negligences, and then long for joys 
eternal. 

I also gladly present, as an offering to the 
Lord, two young pigeons, to preserve within 
me a twofold honesty of heart; desiring to 
render unto no man evil for evil; and, what 
is more, to overcome evil with good. 

Which do Thou most graciously vouchsafe 
to me, O kind Jesus, who wast on this day 
presented in the Temple by the lowly Virgin 
Mother, and taken up with joy into the arms 
of love by the just and truly devout Simeon. 
Amen. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

ON THE PERSECUTION OF JESUS, AND THE 
FLIGHT INTO EGYPT. 

I BLESS and give Thee thanks, O Lord 
Jesu Christ, Thou exalted King of Kings, 
for the persecution and tribulation wrought on 



34 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

Thee in Thine infancy; when Thon fleddest 
from the face of most impious King Herod, and 
wert forced, as an exile and wanderer, to go 
forth from Thine own country, and enter privily 
the land of Egypt; from whence, in former 
times, Thou leddest forth the children of Israel 
with a mighty hand. 

I praise and glorify Thee for that painful 
journey and long wandering, endured by Thee 
in a strange land, where, for seven years, Thou 
didst dwell among a barbarous people, with 
men unlike indeed to Thyself. 

cruelly impious, to aim at the death of the 
Author of life; to thrust out from His own 
country the very King of Heaven ! 

What rivers of tears would have flowed had 
one beheld a child so lovely and so fair, with 
the Virgin Mother all so delicate, fleeing, 'mid 
the darkness and secrecy of night, to a region 
utterly unknown to them. 

At this time of persecution how truly mar- 
vellous the patience ! How should it teach all 
Christ's faithful servants to look for persecu- 
tions many at the hands of the wicked. 

1 praise and glorify Thee, O Lord Jesu, for 
that blessed return from Egypt ; for Thy jour- 
ney back again to Thine own land; for Thy 
social dwelling with Thy parents in the city of 
Nazareth ; where Thou didst hold sweet con- 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 35 

verse with friends and neighbors, and in pov- 
erty dwell in sweet fellowship with Thy Mother 
and the saintly Joseph. 

Grant to me now, O beloved Jesus, that I 
may, if only in some small degree, imitate this 
Thy walk of patience ; that I murmur not when 
injuries are done to me, but rather humbly give 
place to the wrath of man. 

Should any one mock me, or speak evil of 
me, or in any way assail me, give me grace to 
endure it ; let me not burn with hatred against 
the offender ; rather let me fervently plead for 
his salvation, and impute all his sin to Satan, 
who provoked it. 

Give me grace to live at peace with all my 
brethren ; willingly to yield to them, and pa- 
tiently to endure with them poverty of this 
world's goods however severe, to the praise of 
Thy Name. Amen. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

ON THE HOLY INNOCENTS, SLAIN BY HEROD FOR 
THE NAME OF JESUS. 

I BLESS and give Thee thanks, O Lord Jesu 
Christ, Thou hope of babes, Thou glory of 
the lowly, Thou crown of all the Saints, for the 



36 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

deaths of so many thousand innocent children, 
slain for Thy Name's sake. 

I praise and glorify Thee for the first-fruits 
of the Martyrs. Free from actual sin they suf- 
fered. Clean in heart and pure in body Thou 
didst take them from this evil world to Thyself ; 
yea, Thou gavest the crown of martyrdom to 
babes, who knew not yet the use of reason. 

I adore the righteousness of Thy judgments, 
so wonderfully seen in all Thy works ; for Thou 
didst exalt the humble and innocent to eternal 
glory, but the proud Herod and his associates 
Thou didst cast down to hell in utter confusion. 

I earnestly beseech Thee of Thy goodness, 
most innocent Jesus, so to guide me, that I 
may in heart and mind follow the innocence 
and simplicity of these little ones. Having laid 
aside all bitterness and' pride, may I henceforth, 
in my daily walk with my fellows, be found 
more meek, more pure, more lowly, more pa- 
tient, and more cheerful. 

Nor let any carnal wantonness defile me; 
rather let a perfect mortification of the flesh 
keep me from all that is hurtful. 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 37 



CHAPTER XV. 

ON THE FINDING JESUS IN THE TEMPLE. 

I BLESS and give Thee thanks, O Lord Jesu 
Christ, Thou Master of lowliness and pro- 
found Teacher of eternal truth, for the example 
of Thy amazing humility, and for the ray of 
Thy hidden wisdom manifested to man ; when 
Thou wentest up to Jerusalem with Thy par- 
ents to keep the Feast ; offering for us to God 
the Father the sacrifice of praise and sacred 
prayer. Sitting in the midst of the Doctors, 
Thou, when only twelve years of age, didst 
draw on Thee the eyes of all beholders, by Thy 
childlike attention and Thy discreet questioning. 
I praise and magnify Thee with deep devo- 
tion, for Thy reverential obedience, manifested 
to Thy parents ; w T hen, after long and painful 
searching, they found Thee. Renouncing at 
once Thine own will, Thou, the great Ruler of 
the Universe, didst humbly become subject to 
them. Although they understood not the words 
spoken to them, yet didst Thou go down with 
them from Jerusalem to Nazareth, and there 
show Thyself the obedient son of a most ex- 
cellent mother. 



38 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

O sweet Jesus, Thou most lovely Child, Thou 
mirror of all holiness and virtue, teach me to 
keep down all perverseness of self-will, and 
readily to heed the advice of my elders; de- 
voutly to visit the House of God, and there 
attentively to hear the preaching of Thy Word 
to reverence the Teachers of Thy Church 
humbly to obey those set over me in the Lord 
and joyfully to serve Thee in perfect subjection 
all the days of my life. 



CHAPTER XVI. 

ON THE HOLY AND HIDDEN LIFE OF THE 
LOWLY JESUS. 

I BLESS and thank Thee, O Lord Jesu 
Christ, for the spotless sanctity of Thy Life, 
which, for a long period, Thou leddest privately 
with Thy Parents in Nazareth. From Thy 
twelfth to Thy thirtieth year, in great poverty, 
humility, and obedience, didst Thou abide with 
them. 

I praise and magnify Thee with boundless 
love, for Thy lowly and hidden Life among 
men and Thy fellow villagers. Never manifest- 
ing any sign which might have led to a recog- 
nition of Thy Godhead, Thou deignedst to be 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 39 

called and to be considered the son of a carpen- 
ter. 

O the humility of Christ ! How dost Thou 
confound the pride of my vanity, and with 
what a bright example dost Thou admonish me 
to shun all vain show, to avoid the crowds of 
the outside world, to choose a life of obscurity ; 
desiring to be known of God alone, taking heed 
above all things to my own salvation. 

Suffer me not to thrust myself rashly before 
men for the sake of edification ; may I rather, 
with diligent endeavor, study the Word of Life, 
until the voice from heaven shall call, " Bring- 
forth fruit. ? ' 

Help me, sweet Jesus, Thou good Master, to 
examine with all watchfulness the manner of 
my hidden life, and inwardly to dedicate myself 
to Thee. May I ever love contempt of the 
world and a hidden retreat, and be very silent 
as to the things of this life. May I embrace 
eagerly all that concerns Thee and things di- 
vine ; and, within the deep recess of my heart, 
keep closely the book of Thy holy conversa- 
tion. 



40 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 



CHAPTER XVII. 

ON THE BAPTISM OF JESUS, AND OUR SANCTIFI- 
CATION IN WATER. 

I BLESS and give Thee thanks, O Lord Jesu 
Christ, Thou fountain of goodness, and 
source of all virtues, for Thy lowly reception of 
holy Baptism, so fulfilling all righteousness; 
and for the voluntary submission of Thyself 
under the hands of Thy forerunner ; by whom 
Thou didst deign to be baptized in Jordan, 
consecrating to our use the waters of Baptism. 

In which Thou hast given an example to all 
about to be baptized, both young and old, that, 
if they desire to enter the mansion of Thy 
heavenly Kingdom, they must humbly receive 
the Sacrament of Regeneration, that bringeth 
salvation. 

In Thy baptism we indeed were washed. 
This sanctification was profitable to us, not to 
Thee, Who haddest no spot of sin. 

I praise and magnify Thee, most high and 
adorable Head, object of holy awe even to 
Angels, for humbly descending into the Jor- 
dan, and bending to receive its waters for the 
washing away of our sins. 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 41 

I bless and glorify Thee for the revelation of 
heavenly mysteries, for the clear manifestation 
of the presence of the most glorious Trinity, 
for opening the entrance to eternal Life, for 
the miraculous enlightenment of Thy blessed 
Forerunner, John the Baptist, and for his hum- 
ble response and ready obedience. 

Jesu, most exalted King, how didst Thou 
this day abase Thyself for me, the vilest of 
sinners ; what great gifts of divine grace didst 
Thou declare unto me. Mercifully look upon 
me and forgive me all my sins, which, in vari- 
ous ways, I have committed both openly and 
secretly. 

1 pray to be baptized by Thee with the Holy 
Ghost and with fire, for in many things I 
have offended Thy goodness. "Wash me thor- 
oughly from my wickedness, and cleanse me 
from my sin. 77 

For no one on earth is free from defilement, 
not even the babe a day old : none other but 
Thou, O Christ. Thou alone art pure, and the 
onlv Purifier: Thou alone art holy, and the 
only Sanctifier : Who, according to the multi- 
tude of Thy mercies, hast power to forgive men 
their sins. 

I pray Thee, O Lord, let my soul live by Thy 
favor. O remember not against me my former 
iniquities, but renew my youth like the eagle 7 s. 



42 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

Forgive the past, make me to walk circum- 
spectly for the time to come, and pour into me 
fresh grace ; that I may attain the full fruition 
of the eternal glory of Thy Godhead. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

ON THE FASTING AND TEMPTATIONS OF THE 
INVINCIBLE JESUS. 

I BLESS and give Thee thanks, O Lord Jesu 
Christ, for Thy sacred fast of forty days 
and forty nights, which Thou didst undergo 
alone in the desert, a pattern of abstinence for 
Thy people. 

Where, as a hermit, Thou wast with the wild 
beasts, away from the solace of men, but with 
Angels ever near unto Thee ; setting forth 
thereby to all who love Thee a great example 
of retirement from the world. 

I laud and honor Thee, O Jesu Christ, Thou 
food of Angels, and refection of men, for Thy 
many and long watchings, for Thy holy prayers 
and devout meditations, accomplished in the 
vast wilderness. 

I praise and highly exalt Thee for ever, for 
Thy mighty conflict with the devil ; for the 
many vexations of the wicked tempter ; for the 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 43 

scorn of all his evil suggestions ; for meeting 
his proposals by fitting answers taken from the 
Word of God; and for the glorious victory 
over the three great vices, achieved by Thee ; 
to the perpetual confusion of Satan, and the 
strengthening of our infirmitv. 

With the holy Angels duly honoring Thee, I 
meekly on bended knees laud and magnify 
Thee ; seeking from Thee, so long as I dwell in 
the desert of this world, daily food, the uphold- 
ing power of Thy grace, comfort in tribulation, 
courage when tempted, and protection from the 
wiles of the enemy. 

I believe and confess that Thou art the 
Christ, the Son of God, God and Lord of 
Angels, Creator of mankind and Redeemer, 
clad in the infirmity of our flesh ; proved and 
tried in all things, that Thou mightest have 
pity on us; and compassionating us, Thou 
mightest heal us of the diseases of our sins. 

O holy Jesu, Thou most valiant combatant, 
Who for me didst so strictly fast, so bravely 
fight and conquer ; give unto me to fight man- 
fully against the world, the flesh, and the devil ; 
and, with a determined heart to repel every 
temptation that shall assail me. 

As a comfort in my exile, send to me Thy 
holy Angels, ministers of light and peace, that 
they may ofttimes visit me, watchfully guard, 






44 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

powerfully help, kindly solace, and abundantly 
bless me ; and, when this life is ended, may they 
safely conduct me with joy and gladness to 
Thee, my Lord Jesu Christ. Amen. 



CHAPTER XIX. 

ON THE HOLY PREACHING AND SALUTARY DOC- 
TRINE OF JESUS. 

I BLESS and give Thee thanks, O Lord Jesu 
Christ, Thou good Shepherd and faithful 
Guardian of Thy sheep, for Thy loving care, 
for Thy salvation of souls, and for Thy burning 
desire to proclaim to the world the glad-tidings 
of Grod's Word. 

For, on leaving the wilderness, Thou earnest 
to preach the Kingdom of Heaven, sounding 
the trumpet of salvation throughout all Judaea ; 
calling upon all to repent, to despise the world 
and its follies, and forthwith to seek diligently 
for treasure in heaven. 

sweet Jesus ! with what diligent care didst 
Thou go about the villages and streets, the 
towns and fenced cities to convert sinners, to 
heal the broken-hearted, and to grant forgive- 
ness to the truly penitent. 

1 praise and magnify Thee, from the very 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 45 

depths of my heart, for Thy comforting doc- 
trine, and for Thy fervent preaching through- 
out all Galilee and Judaea ; and for Thy glorious 
renown, proclaimed far and wide among the 
Gentile nations. 

Blessed be Thy sacred lips and most gracious 
tongue, with which Thou didst so often express 
the delight of the heavenly Life, and commend 
to us the counsels of eternal truth ; announcing 
distinctly to the whole world, that Thou Thy- 
self art the true and marvellous Light. 

Grant me, most loving Jesus, Thou best of 
Masters, that I may, with a holy thirst, drink 
from the streams of Thy saving teaching. May 
I diligently study, vrisely understand, sweetly 
taste, peacefully enjoy the sacred words of Thy 
mouth, and carefully fashion all my discipline 
according to their guidance. 

For nowhere do I so readily and so clearly 
find the way of perfection as in the bright 
mirror of Thy Holy Gospel, laid open to me 
and all men for our study. 

Lord, in Thee, the fountain of eternal wis- 
dom, the light of life, and the fulness of all 
sweetness abound and endure for ever. 

^Incline therefore my heart to Thy testi- 
monies." Open mine ear to the words of Thy 
mouth. " Turn away mine eyes lest they be- 
hold vanity, and quicken Thou me in Thy way." 



46 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

For, although the words of the Gospel Story 
appear simple and plain, yet are they both pro- 
found and deep ; and so full of heavenly mys- 
teries, that the whole world could not contain 
them. 



CHAPTER XX. 

ON THE GLORIOUS MIRACLES AND BENEVO- 
LENCE OF JESUS. 

I BLESS and give Thee thanks, O Lord Jesu 
Christ, Thou Power of God and Wisdom 
of the Father, for Thy glorious signs and 
mighty miracles, by which Thou didst most 
nobly enlighten the world, and draw to Thy Gos- 
pel the minds of unbelievers ■ so clearly show- 
ing Thyself, by open proofs and radiant won- 
ders, to be the Son of the living God, and that 
Thou earnest upon earth to redeem lost man. 

I praise and give Thee glory for Thy bound- 
less love in manifesting Thyself so generous 
and so kind to all people. The poor and feeble, 
even the vilest sinners, feared not to draw near 
unto Thee. Thou didst permit them freely to 
speak unto Thee and to touch Thee. 

Blessed be Thine eyes, brighter than the sun, 
which Thou didst mercifully lift up on the 
multitudes that came to Thee : for whom Thou 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 47 

didst so tenderly care, that Thou wouldest "by 
no means suffer them to go to their homes fast- 
ing; but didst, on two occasions, with a few 
loaves and small fishes, by a great miracle, more 
than abundantly satisfy thousands. 

Blessed be Thy venerable hands, which Thou 
didst gladly stretch forth over sick and suffer- 
ing poor ; and by the touch of Thy sacred body 
didst at once drive from them every infirmity 
and disease. 

Blessed be Thy most beautiful feet, which 
often, soiled with dust, and weary in work for 
the salvation of souls, bore Thee hither and 
thither up the mountain side, and along the 
valley path, as Thou sowedst plenteously the 
Word of Life. 

Thou didst also, in proof of Thy sacred doc- 
trine, ofttimes work miracles, causing the par- 
alyzed to stand up, the blind to see, lepers to 
be cleansed, devils to be cast out, and the dead, 
through God, to rise again. 

O illustrious Jesus, Light of the world, Salva- 
tion of Thy people Israel ; our lif e, our strength, 
and our glory, look favorably on mine infirm- 
ity, and cast from my heart every evil desire. 
Enlighten the eyes of my mind, that they may 
see the light that cometh from on high ; open 
the ears of my understanding, that I may hear, 
O my God, what Thou sayest unto me. 



48 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

Raise me up from the bed of sloth, that I 
may go on ever increasing in virtue. Make me 
to walk straight in the way of Thy command- 
ments, and strengthen my enfeebled hands 
unto diligent labor. 

Cleanse me from the leprosy of the flesh, 
heal me of all burning wrath, assuage in me 
all proud boasting, deliver me from all that 
moves to envy; guard me against gluttony, 
drive far from me the plague of covetousness, 
and stay within me all impure desires. 

For these trying passions of a diseased soul, 
the secret workings of devils, by Thee, O Lord 
Jesu, are to be healed — to be cast out only by 
the word of Thy power. 

For none can heal these spiritual wounds and 
work the inward signs of holiness, but Thou 
alone, O Lord God Omnipotent. Thou speak- 
est, and immediately it is done: Thou com- 
mandest, and straightway Thy word is accom- 
plished. 

Say therefore to my soul, " Be clean," and it 
shall be cleansed; charge the unclean spirit, 
which so often tempts and vexes me, " Go out 
of the man and enter no more into him." 

Say to my soul in its every tribulation : " I 
am thy Salvation. Fear not." Speak the word 
only, and my soul shall be healed. 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 49 



CHAPTER XXI. 

ON THE EXAMPLE AND HOLY CONVERSATION 
OF JESUS, AND ON HIS TRIBULATION IN THE 
WORLD. 

I BLESS and give Thee thanks, O Lord Jesu 
Christ, Pattern of holiness. Rule of con- 
duct, Flower of virtue, sweet Savor of life. Per- 
fection of patience, for all Thy virtues and 
sweet manners ; for Thy singular gentleness 
and perfect examples, openly shown before Thy 
disciples and all Israel ; thereby gently inviting 
to Thy love the hearts of the lowly. 

But, further, Thou hast, by the tenderness of 
Thy words, moved the hard hearts of sinners 
to repentance. To the learned also, in all Thy 
works and all Thy teachings, Thou hast afforded 
an edifying example. 

I praise and glorify Thee for all the priva- 
tions and trials of the body endured by Thee 
on earth ; which Thou, being made flesh, from 
Thy very birth even to Thy crucifixion didst 
graciously deign to suffer for us dying worms ; 
ofttimes enduring hunger and thirst, cold and 
heat, labor and weariness, sorrow and dis- 
quietude — and that with all meekness of heart. 



50 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

I praise and give Thee all honor, for the 
many and grievous persecutions, the malicious 
artifices, and undeserved blasphemies ever being 
plotted against Thee by Scribes and Pharisees ; 
also for the great ingratitude and envious revil- 
ings exercised against Thee. Sad return indeed 
for the innumerable benefits and wondrous 
miracles gloriously wrought by Thee among 
the people ! 

I praise and give to Thee all glory for Thy 
work of unbounded love, exercised for the 
conversion and salvation of all men ; for Thy 
long and frequent nights spent in prayerful 
watching ; for Thy groans and tears, fruits of 
Thy compassion ; for the joy and congratula- 
tions of all the godly, converted to the faith ; 
for their unbounded thankfulness and inward 
uplifting of their minds ; for the many won- 
drous works meetly wrought by Thee, to the 
praise and glory of Thy heavenly Father. 

O most adorable Jesus, the world's brightest 
mirror ! grant to me, Thy poor servant, hitherto 
alas ! most unruly, to piously contemplate Thy 
most noble and sweet manner of life, and to 
fashion all my acts and conduct according to 
the pattern thereof — that T may learn to be 
meek and lowly of heart. 

That I may be temperate in diet, simple in 
dress, modest in look, circumspect in my walk, 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 51 

tranquil in mind, given to silence, cautious in 
action, on ray guard within and without, watch- 
ful in prayer, devout in meditation, diligent in 
labor, patient when corrected, prompt in obe- 
dience, docile for all that is good ; not slothful, 
not careless, never peevish, not turbulent, not a 
gossip, no brawler, but holy, calm, joyful, and 
discreet. 



CHAPTER XXII. 

ON THE FEAST OF PALMS, AND THE LOWLY 
RIDING OF JESUS INTO JERUSALEM. 

I BLESS and give Thee thanks, O Lord Jesu 
Christ, Saviour of the world, the gracious 
and merciful Redeemer of mankind, for the 
manifestation of Thy wondrous humility, and 
for the magnitude of Thine ineffable piety; 
which, as on this day, Thou didst in lowliness 
show forth, when, with feet all bare and seated 
on a mean ass, Thou didst in the midst of a 
vast multitude, and with songs of little chil- 
dren, enter the holy city Jerusalem. 

I praise and glorify Thee, O excellent Jesus, 
Thou Son of David, for the solemn reverence 
this day offered Thee by the people of Israel ; 
as with loud Hosannahs they acknowledged and 
proclaimed Thee the great King and Prophet. 



52 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

I praise and honor Thee for the wondrous 
love and unwearied tenderness which led Thee, 
meekly and of Thine own free choice, to come 
unto murderers, by whom Thou knewest Thou 
Thyself wouldest soon be put to death; for 
whose sins and wickedness Thou didst pour 
forth abundant tears, when foretelling to them 
what terrible evils would ere long follow their 
momentary joy. 

I praise and glorify Thee for Thy fervent 
zeal against evildoers. Having entered the 
Temple, Thou didst at once drive from the 
House of Thy Father those who bought and 
sold therein, making as they did the House of 
Prayer a den of thieves. 

On the one hand, how severe wast Thou 
against the unjust and covetous — sellers of 
their own souls ; while, on the other, how gentle 
and merciful towards the poor and feeble, lov- 
ingly dispensing to many the word of doctrine 
and the help of healing. 

inexpressible power of Christ ! O the all- 
surpassing goodness of the Son of God ! 
" Who can express the noble acts of the Lord, 
or show forth all His praise ? " Eemember me, 
O Jesus, in Thy good pleasure, and visit me 
with Thy Salvation. 

Come, beloved Jesus, and lead me into the 
Holy City, Jerusalem ; not that which killeth 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 53 

the prophets, but Jerusalem which is built in 
the heavens, where celestial citizens dwell in 
perfect unity. 

Ride upon the foal of an ass, by holding in 
check with the bridle of continence all light and 
wanton motions of my flesh. 

It is good for me to bear, my Lord, and to 
be subject to Thy law ; never to kick against 
the precepts of obedience, but with patience 
and meekness to bear the burden laid upon me. 

Xor must I ever cease from labor and spirit- 
ual progress. No other way than this must I 
go. I must advance in holy purpose, until, 
under Thy aid and guidance, I come to the 
Jerusalem which is above, where there is peace 
for evermore. 

Therefore, to Thee with the Hebrew children 
do I devoutly cry, " Hosanna to the Son of 
David, Salvation in the Highest." 

Hail, Lord of the L T niverse ! Hail, Thou 
Saviour of the House of Israel! Whose com- 
ing the Prophets foretold from the foundation 
of the world ; whom the Jews, as on this day, 
gladly received with loud songs of praise. 

I adore Thee, I glorify Thee, who, in the 
name of Thy Father, earnest to redeem us from 
the hand of the enemy, and with Thy most 
precious Blood to reconcile us to God the 
Father. 



54 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

I beseech Thee, also, O Lord Jesu, to enter 
the temple of my heart, and to purge out and 
drive far away from me whatever Thou shalt 
see there polluted and profane. 

Cast out from Thy Tabernacle all that is of 
this world, all tempting regard for places and 
persons. Overturn the money-tables, lest the 
love of riches prevail against me. Take away 
all cattle and doves, and the noise thereof, lest 
the abundance of earthly things stay my desire 
for things that are heavenly. 

Seize the scourge, made from the small cords 
of the fear of Thee, and with firm zeal drive 
out from me all evil fancies and foul sug- 
gestions ; with which the devil, that vilest of 
traffickers, is ever ready to tempt me, even at 
prayer-time in the very House of God ; lest my 
soul, being sorely tried and enticed by vain 
delusions, be led into compliance, and suddenly 
destroyed. 

Help me, most valiant Jesus, and suffer me 
not to be taken by the snares of the devil, and 
by my own wicked heart. Preserve me from 
evil and strengthen me in all goodness ; that, 
having escaped the dangers of eternal damna- 
tion, I may enter with Thee into the everlasting 
habitations of the heavenly Jerusalem. 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 55 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

ON THE LORD'S SUPPER, IN WHICH JESUS CHRIST 
INSTITUTED THE SACRAMENT OF HIS MOST 
PRECIOUS BODY AND BLOOD. 

I BLESS and give Thee thanks, O Lord Jesn 
Christ, Thou Bread of Life, and Fountain 
of healing water, for Thy most holy Feast of 
the last Supper with Thy disciples, which Thou 
hadst so long and ardently desired to celebrate. 

Thou, O Lord, the King of heaven and earth, 
didst then eat at the same table, and out of 
the same dish, with those Thy poor disciples ; 
among whom was the wicked Judas ; and dur- 
ing Supper, whilst sweetly uttering words of 
holy exhortation, tlidst study, by gentle ad- 
monition, to turn that same Judas from his 
base design. 

I praise and glorify Thee, for the wondrous 
bounty of Thy surpassing charity ; when, after 
eating the Paschal lamb to terminate the old 
Law, Thou didst first institute the Sacrament 
of Thy most precious Body and Blood, in re- 
membrance of Thy Passion and perpetual love. 
With Thy blessed hands, and with a passion of 
singular devotion. Thou didst deliver the same 



56 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

to all Thy disciples to eat and drink thereof ; 
and, at the same time, showing to them, and 
the Priests their successors ordained by them, 
the form of Consecration, Thou didst give them 
full authority to celebrate this Holy Sacrament 
henceforth, even unto the end of the world. 

O singular and admirable exhibition of love ! 
O the exceeding liberality of divine goodness ! 
Where the Giver comes into the gift, and what 
is given is inwardly one with the Giver. 

O worthy and never to be forgotten memo- 
rial, in which the faithful soul recollects its own 
death as dead in Christ's death ; and finds ever- 
lasting life in the Beloved, whom that soul re- 
ceives ! 

O wonder above all wonders, and sweetness 
transcending all sweetness, to have God truly 
though mystically present, veiled under this 
marvellous Sacrament ! 

Whom the holy Angels adore, as exalted far 
above themselves in heaven, appearing to them 
all in glorious Majesty. 

That I may worthily partake of this Holy 
Sacrament, grant unto me, O most loving Jesus, 
a heart deeply sorry for my sins, a pure con- 
science in confessing them, a mind lifted up in 
prayer, a firm faith, a fervent hope, an ardent 
affection, a devotion stirring to tears, reverence 
with love, a bright gladness with fear ; also a 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 57 

profound inclination telling of increased thanks- 
giving, proceeding from a real lowliness of 
heart, to appease the excellency of Thy divine 
Majesty. 

CHAPTER XXIV. 

ON THE WASHING THE FEET OF THE DISCIPLES, 
AND THE HOLY DISCOURSE OF JESUS AT 
SUPPER. 

I BLESS and give Thee thanks, Lord Jesu 
Christ, Thon most exalted King of Saints, 
for that very great example of deep hnmility 
and servile submission, shown and left to us 
for our imitation ; when Thon, the Most Holy 
God, didst condescend with Thy blessed hands 
and on bended knees most tenderfy to wash, 
wipe, and kiss the feet of the poor fishermen, 
Thine own humble servants. 

Nay more, Thou didst not omit, with like 
loving condescension, to wash the feet of Thy 
most perfidious betrayer; although he, un- 
thankful for such vast benefits, foul and un- 
washed within, did, with all obstinacy, persist 
in his wickedness. 

O marvellous and great gentleness towards a 
disciple so hardened ! O the bending love of a 
gracious Lord towards a servant so base — yea, 
so utterly hardened, that neither the familiar 



58 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

bearing during supper, nor the kindness of lowly 
service, nor the sweet and pleasant discourse, 
could hold him back from his unholy design ! 

I praise and glorify Thee, for the long con- 
tinuance of this most sacred last Supper; at 
which so many acts of love w^ere wrought by 
Thee. Verily no times, no moments could ever 
suffice for their worthy commemoration. 

I praise and glorify Thee, O Jesus, Thou best 
of Comforters, Thou sweetest Instructor and 
most powerful Upholder, for that last, long, 
and heavenly discourse, full of the fire of love 
and the sweetness of the honeycomb ; which, 
after the washing of the feet and the with- 
drawal of the traitor Judas, Thou didst, with 
voice most clear, deliver to Thy disciples. Thus 
didst Thou study to strengthen and comfort 
their sad hearts, when tribulation was very nigh 
at hand. 

By many very lovely discourses Thou didst 
promise the sure hope of the Resurrection, the 
upholding their faith by the coming of the 
Comforter, and their assumption from this exile 
into Thy Father's heavenly mansions. 

And, at last, when closing this sacred address, 
Thou didst most lovingly commend them 
equally to Thy Father, in true union of heart, 
saying : " Father, I will that they all may be 
one, even as We are One." 



Meditations on the Life of Christ 59 

Then didst Thou with Thy disciples enter a 
garden, away from the noisy world, and so 
fitted for secret prayer ; and didst there make 
ready for the beginning of sorrows and Thy 
sacred Passion, saying, "Tarry ye here and 
watch with Me, w^hile I go yonder and pray." 

I beseech Thee, O most loving Jesus, my 
Lord and Master, that Thou wouldest grant me, 
a sinner vile indeed, unworthy to be called Thy 
servant, devoutly and deeply to meditate on 
this so divine a subject ; and to study closely 
the lively examples of Thy all-holy doings. 

More especially, I pray Thee, grant that I 
may heartily bow down my stiff neck, and so 
completely conquer all proud shame, that I may 
readily enter upon deeds of humility and lowly 
obedience. And may I learn to do works of 
love, not only to devout brethren and to my 
friends, but also to those who are morally or 
bodily offensive to me. 

Let me not deem it hard to seek pardon for 
my shortcomings, since Thou, my God, wast not 
ashamed, in the presence of Thy disciples, to 
bend Thy holy knees when Thou wast in the 
act of washing. 

Moved as I am by Thy example, may I, by 
Thy aid, do what I hear and read of Thee. But 
altogether imperfect as I am, and defiled by so 
many evil affections, vast is my need of a 



GO Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

thorough cleansing, that my sins may be washed 
away. 

To Thee, therefore, I stretch forth my hands 
and humbly bend the knees of my heart, pray- 
ing that Thou wouldest in mercy thoroughly 
wash not my feet only, but my hands and my 
head ; for in many things have I offended Thee 
by thought, word, and deed — yea, and by duties 
many left undone. 

Wash me, therefore, O Jesus, from my every 
defilement; cleanse me from all filthiness of 
the flesh and spirit ; that, being fully purged, I 
may be meet to have part with Thee in Thy 
eternal blessedness ; w r hich Thou hast promised 
to all Thy beloved, who continue with Thee in 
Thy temptations. 

Open Thou also, I pray Thee, the understand- 
ing of my heart, that I may fully apprehend 
the sweet discourse from Thy mouth, which 
Thou didst deliver at the Supper ; for they are 
words of burning love, of delightful consola- 
tion, and of wisdom most excellent. 

Write the new commandment in my heart, 
that my soul may burn with a twofold love ; 
uphold me in ray every tribulation ; and, in 
place of worldly delights, pour Thou into me 
the sweet comforting of Thy Holy Spirit. 

Grant me the true peace of heart, which the 
world cannot give. Send to me "the Com- 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 61 

f orter, the Spirit of truth, whom the world seeth 
not, neither knoweth." 

Come, O Lord Jesus, and vouchsafe to make 
Thy abode with me : that. Thou in me and I in 
Thee, we may dwell together in one. Amen. 



PAET II. 



ON THE PASSION OF CHRIST UNTIL 

HIS RESURRECTION, ACCORDING 

TO THE POUR EVANGELISTS. 



CHAPTER I. 

ON THE SELLING OF JESUS BY THE PERFIDIOUS 
TRAITOR JUDAS. 

I BLESS and give Thee thanks, O Lord Jesu 
Christ, Goodness Supreme and Majesty 
Eternal, Thou who wast unjustly sold by Thine 
own disciple, for so vile and mean a price as 
thirty pieces of silver. 

I praise and glorify Thee for Thy gentle 
sufferance of one so treacherous. No anger 
didst Thou show; no word of hard reproof; 
no exposal at once to the brethren of his un- 
holy plot ; after so foul a deed no suspension 
from his office and sacred communion ; al- 
though Thou f oresawest that he was hastening 
to betray Thee. 

O most loving Lord Jesus, how wonderful 
Thy patience ! how great my impatience ! 

Alas for me ! that I can bear so little from 
my brother, when he has said or done aught 
against me. For a small injury how soon am 
I moved to anger — how many are my plans to 
avenge or excuse myself; whilst Thou didst 



66 Meditations on tine Life of Christ 

calmly bear with Judas, Thy disciple, even at 
the very moment he was about to sell and be- 
tray Thee. 

Where then are my meekness and patience ? 
Help me, O good Jesus. Implant Thy gentle- 
ness more abundantly in my heart, for, 'mid 
the many vexations of this lif e, I cannot secure 
the blessing of quiet, without Thy special grace 
and guidance. 



CHAPTER II. 

ON THE SORROW AND DREAD OF JESUS BORNE 

FOR US, 

I BLESS and give Thee thanks, O Lord Jesu 
Christ, Thou Creator and Redeemer of all 
believers, for the painful entering on Thy most 
bitter Passion ; for Thy great sadness of soul, 
for Thy anxiety and dread through the weak- 
ness of the flesh, taken voluntarily by Thee for 
us. 

As the hour of Thy betrayal drew nigh, 
Thou didst begin to be heavy and sore afraid, 
and very sorrowful. Nor wast Thou ashamed 
to confess the same in the ears of Thy disciples, 
saying, " My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even 
unto death." 

O the wondrous dispensation of God ! Thou 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 67 

Lord of all power, Who, a little before, hadst 
strengthened Thy disciples for the struggle, 
dost now bear Thyself like unto one helpless, 
as if destitute of all strength and courage. 

This Thou didst to benefit and comfort us, 
weak and faint-hearted as we are ; lest per- 
chance some one, sorely tempted, should despair 
of pardon or salvation; if he, less cheerfully 
disposed to endure or undergo some things 
contrary to the flesh, should be found timid 
and sad. Yes, this Thou didst that he might 
sav, what we read Thou didst say : — " Never- 
theless, not My will, but Thine be done," 

I beseech Thee, O most loving Jesus, my only 
hope in every trial and affliction, enable me, 
with a heart full of compassion, to examine 
diligently into the sorrowful beginnings of this 
Thy blessed Passion; and from thence grad- 
ually ascend to the prayerful contemplation of 
the more bitter parts thereof ; that, in every 
step of Thine Agony, I may be able to discern 
a saving remedy for my soul. 

Grant me, for the glory of Thy Name, 
patiently to suffer whatever afflictions await 
me ; that I may never despair because of my 
many tribulations, but wholly resign myself to 
the good pleasure of Thy eternal purpose. 



68 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 



CHAPTER III. 

ON THE THREEFOLD PRAYER OF JESUS ; ON THE 
BLOODY SWEAT; ON THE ANGELIC WxAlFORT- 
ING; AND ON RENOUNCING HIS OWN WILL. 

I BLESS and give Thee thanks, O Lord Jesu 
Christ, Thou Sustainer of Angels, Thou 
Refuge of the helpless, for Thy sorrowful plead- 
ings and for Thy lowly prostration; when 
thrice, with bended knees, Thou didst, from the 
very depths of Thy soul, entreat Thy heavenly 
Father, -"If it be possible, let this cup pass 
from Me " ; yet ever adding, " Nevertheless, not 
My will, but Thine be done.' 7 

I praise and magnify Thee for Thy mighty 
struggle with the terrors of death, and with the 
rendings of Thy most bitter Agony ; when burn- 
ing love so prevailed, that Thou couldest cast 
out all human fear. 

I praise and give Thee thanks for the large 
effusion of Thy bloody sweat, when, being in 
an agony, Thou didst pray more fervently ; and 
from Thy Body, contrary to nature, poured 
forth great drops of blood. 

I adore and give Thee glory for Thy lowly 
acceptance of angelic comforting, which Thou, 



Meditations on the Life of Christ 69 

the Creator and Ruler of the heavenly host, 
didst not scorn to receive from an Angel, for 
the strengthening of man's weakness ; teaching 
us, Thy feeble creatures, not to rest on transi- 
tory comforts, but steadily to look heavenward 
for aid. 

sweet Jesus ! with what burning love didst 
Thou love me, when, moved thereby, Thou 
couldest pray so fervently, that, in Thy firm 
resolve to suffer, Thou didst, beyond all nature, 
sweat warm drops of blood, flowing forth even 
to the ground. 

1 praise and glorify Thee with perpetual 
honor, Thou greatest lover of my soul and 
singular exemplar of my life, for the full resig- 
nation of Thyself, for utterly renouncing Thine 
own will, and all that ready sensitiveness, with 
which Thou didst naturally shrink from pain 
and death ; and yet, when the hour of suffering 
was come, Thou didst, at once and without a 
murmur, resign Thyself to the will of Thy 
Father, saying, " Father, not My will, but Thine 
be done." 

In those words Thou didst indeed highly 
glorify Thy Heavenly Father, amply and effect- 
ually benefit us, and beat down Satan under 
Thy feet ; showing most clearly to all the faith- 
ful the beauty of Thy perfection, the symbol of 
our salvation, and the way to the highest virtue. 



70 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

O Jesu, ever to be remembered and adored ! 
grant, I earnestly beseech Thee, that I may en- 
joy the fruit of Thy thrice-repeated prayer, and 
with a perfect heart imitate the example of Thy 
self-denying love. 

Grant me also grace manfully to subdue the 
stubborn flesh to the spirit, to cast aside all 
carnal fear, ofttimes to kneel in prayer, and 
watchfully continue therein. 

May I devoutly hope for Thy help, and con- 
fidently commit all my doings to Thee ; entirely 
renouncing my own will, and having my mind 
always prepared patiently to endure whatever 
Thou shalt be pleased to lay upon me. Amen. 



CHAPTER IV. 

ON THE VOLUNTARY GOING FORTH OF JESUS TO 
HIS PASSION, AND HIS GREAT MEEKNESS IN 
THE HOUR OF HIS BETRAYAL. 

I BLESS and give Thee thanks, O Lord Jesu 
Christ, our Saviour and Deliverer, for Thy 
voluntary readiness to suffer. Having offered 
to God the thrice-repeated prayer, Thou, on the 
coming of Thy most cruel enemies, with the 
base traitor Judas and a great multitude in the 
dead of night, with swords and staves, torches 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 71 

and lanterns, as if to take a thief, didst at once 
freely go forth to meet them, saying, " Whom 
seek ye f I am He. If, therefore, ye seek Me, 
let these go their way." At this first word of 
Thy power, all their proud daring was stayed, 
and brought to utter confusion. 

For immediately " they went backward and 
fell to the ground." What then would have 
come to pass, if at Thy bidding twelve legions 
of Angels had appeared? But Thou, who 
earnest to suffer, wouldest not so use Thv di- 
vine power ; but rather show Thy tender for- 
bearance. By a single word didst Thou make 
manifest what Thou couldest do, by the full 
exercise of Thy will. 

For a season didst Thou permit the ungodly 
to prevail against Thee, and despitef ully entreat 
Thee ; showing that of Thine own free will 
Thou wouldest suffer, that the work of our 
redemption might be accomplished, and "the 
Scriptures of the Prophets might be fulfilled." 

I praise and glorify Thee, Thou most inno- 
cent Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, for Thine 
ineffable meekness and the invincible power of 
Thy gentleness: that Thou wert not moved 
with anger against the basest of traitors, nor 
didst Thou indignantly turn away from his 
presence. Nay, rather, with Thy wonted good- 
ness, Thou didst condescend to kindly words, 



72 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

calling him " Friend "; and didst lovingly in- 
dulge him — one most unworthy — with the sweet 
kiss of Thy mouth, saying, " Friend, wherefore 
art Thou come?" His rashness and impious 
treachery Thou didst gently reprove : — " Judas, 
betravest Thou the Son of Man with a kiss ? " 

Alas! how more than sad! He, who had 
shared companionship with the Apostles, now 
stands forth the leader of a band of miscreants. 
Unawed by Divine justice, unsoftened by lov- 
ing-kindness, he held not back his hand from 
the direst of deeds, but gave the sign, saying, 
"Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is He 5 
hold Him fast." 

thou wicked disciple of the most loving 
Master ! O base servant of the most f aitlif ul 
Lord ! Most gentle Jesus, how wonderful is 
Thy goodness, how excellent Thy patience ! 
Amidst such persecution and shameful treach- 
ery Thou didst not forget Thy sweet friendship 
of the past; but, in return for injury most 
gross, Thou didst graciously exercise Thy power 
of healing. 

For, with a touch of Thy sacred hand, Thou 
didst restore the ear of the High Priest's ser- 
vant, which Thy disciple had cut off ; and didst 
withhold Peter, Thy defender, from resisting 
Thy assailants, saying, "Put up again thy 
sword into his place. The cup which My 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 73 

Father hath given Me, shall I not drink it?" 
For thus it must be. 

And here, O my God, I beseech Thee, give 
unto me, a frail reed, more abundant patience in 
my hours of trial. When mine enemies rudely 
insult me, or when false charges, of which I 
know myself innocent, are brought against me, 
let not sudden anger overcome me, nor a spirit 
of revenge urge me to return evil for evil. 

Grant that I may not fear mine accuser, but 
receive with gentleness his reproaches. May I 
regard as a friend the man who harshly reviles 
and oppresses me. Let no indignation arise at 
any cruelty shown me, nor the remembrance of 
a wrong done me rankle in my breast. 

But, may Thy most loving endurance of evils 
strengthen me to suffer with cheerfulness ; and 
willingly to bear still greater trials, for the love 
of Thee. 



CHAPTER V. 



ON THE APPREHENSION, THE BINDING, AND THE 
LEADING AWAY OF JESUS TO ANNAS THE 
HIGH PRIEST. 



I BLESS and give Thee thanks, O Lord Jesu 
Christ, Thou hope of the Saints and their 
tower of strength in the day of tribulation, for 



74 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

the violent seizure of Thee by hateful enemies ; 
for the audacity of Thy captors in laying un- 
holy hands on Thee ; for their fierce and angry 
looks, and the threatening shouts of those ar- 
rayed against Thee ; for Thy rough and cruel 
binding and Thy close and savage detention ; 
for the hasty and wild hurrying of Thee on- 
ward; and that foul treatment, when, with 
insulting blows and wild clamor, Thou wast 
dragged to Thy death by a vile and vulgar 
rabble ; whilst Thy dearest disciples fled in dis- 
may, and with heavy sorrow and sadness gazed 
on Thee from afar. 

O Lord, Thou King of Kings and Ruler of 
all creatures, who alone among mortals art 
free ; wherefore didst Thou suffer Thyself to 
be thus violently seized by wicked hands, and 
basely carried away by men whom Thou didst 
create, and whose well-being had ever been Thy 
care? 

Alas, how grievous was the sin against Thee ! 
How madly insulting to Thine Almighty Power, 
to bind the very Deliverer of souls with the 
cords of a malefactor, to lead away captive the 
sinless One, as if the vilest robber. 

But Thou, most excellent pattern of all vir- 
tues, most gracious Jesus, wast willing to suffer 
thus patiently for us, to be our perfect example 
of meekness, that the clear saying of Esaias the 



Meditations on the Life of Christ 75 

Prophet might be fulfilled: — "He is brought 
as a Lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep be- 
fore her shearers is dumb, so He openeth not 
His mouths He was offered up because it so 
pleased Him. 

Dwell now with compassion, O my soul 7 upon 
the sorrow and captivity of tlry loving Lord 
God ; Who, of His own free will, endured all 
these things for thy sins. Deeply lament and 
let thine eyes pour forth tears plenteously, in 
that the Only-Begotten Son of God was for 
thee so unworthily treated. 

Behold what these shameless wretches, the 
impious Jews, did. Lo ! they held Jesus cap- 
tive, and led Him bound to Annas and to 
Caiaphas, the High Priest. Yet, when He is 
taken, He resists not ; when He is bound, no 
murmur is heard; when He is led forth, no 
resistance is offered ; when He is hurried away, 
He utters no reproach. He goes on in meek- 
ness, silent as a lamb ; as innocent He follows, 
and humbly suffers. 

And now, I beseech Thee, O my God, that 
the bitterness of this Thy sad captivity may 
of ttimes enter into the inmost thoughts of my 
heart. 

Every morning may it move me to the fervor 
of holy prayer, driving away all slothfulness, 
making me zealously and watchfully persevere 



76 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

in Thy praise. Thus, by earnest service, day 
by day may I show forth some return for Thy 
love; for wast not Thou born for me in the 
night season, for me in the night season wast 
Thou not betrayed, captured, and bound with 
cords ? 

Therefore, in the night season will I remem- 
ber Thy Name, O Lord, pondering deeply how 
bitterly Thou hast suffered for me, the vilest of 
sinners. Let Thy hard bonds secure me true 
liberty, restrain me from profitless wandering, 
and, by a firm discipline, keep me true to Thy 
service. 

Let it be no heavy task for me to break and 
cast from me all self-will, but readily to walk 
the path of obedience, guided thereon by those 
set over me in the Lord. May I not fear being 
led whither I would not, provided the course 
directed be acceptable to Thee. 

Let rebellion and strife, and boldness and 
clamor be far from me ; rather may I be God- 
fearing, obedient, ever ready and glad to keep 
Thy Commandments ; and may I never cease 
devoutly to observe all the rites and ceremonies 
of Thy Holy Church. Bow down my neck to 
settled ordinances, and bind my hands to holy 
labors. 

May I ever deem it unworthy of me to go 
mine own way, and waste my time in indolence. 



Meditations on the Life of Christ 11 

May I ever earnestly desire to live under strict 
rule, to keep down my own bad passions — so 
highly desirable to my hard and untamed self ; 
and may I in some degree, however small, by 
inward conformity exhibit something of the 
spirit of Thy capture and binding. Amen. 



CHAPTER VI. 

ON THE LEAVING JESUS IN THE HANDS OF HIS 
ENEMIES, AND ON THE FLIGHT OF THE DIS- 
CIPLES. 

I BLESS and give Thee thanks, O Lord Jesu 
Christ, Thou good Shepherd and benign 
Master, for Thine utter desertion and abandon- 
ment in the hour of Thy direful necessity; 
when, forsaken by all Thy disciples and friends, 
Thou wast left alone in the hands of Thy most 
cruel enemies. 

For Thy brethren and Thy most familiar 
friends, who had vowed to lay down their lives 
—to die for Thee ; alas ! in the testing hour of 
need, they all forsook Thee and fled. 

I praise and honor Thee for that painful 
compassion of Thy heart, when grief so heavily 
sat on Thee, beholding, as Thou didst, the 
offence and flight of Thy fear- stricken disciples. 
When the Shepherd was in the midst of wolves, 



78 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

Thine own, the sheep of the flock, as thou hadst 
foretold, were scattered to their own homes. 

O what great sadness, what grievous pangs 
were there in the hearts of Thy disciples, when 
they beheld their Lord and Master — to follow 
whom they had left all — torn from them so 
violently and dragged to death ! 

But Thou, Lord, who knowest all tilings, and 
permittest nothing to be done save for a wise 
end, didst in Thine Elect allow this so great a 
weakness, that through it, in time, greater good 
should come. 

In short, from this fall it was they learnt 
their own frailty, and so became more gentle to 
other weak brethren- and, ever after, moved 
by greater caution and fervor of spirit, they 
bore themselves lowly and reverently. 

O vast the blessing to me that I very dili- 
gently study this portion of God's Word, and 
presume nothing great of myself ! 

For, although at times, when praying, new 
fervor is present with me, still I cannot tell 
how long it will endure, nor what may befall 
me when temptation sets in. 

For if the pillars of heaven, the Apostles of 
Christ, were thus shaken in the hour of trial, 
what then is to be expected of a poor frail 
worthless creature, when but a slight temptation 
shall come upon him ? 



Meditations on the Life of Christ 79 

And yet, Lord, how severely do some cen- 
sure the holy Apostles, that they so basely de- 
serted Thee ; and, broken down by fear, sought 
to escape. But such critics little perceive how 
readily they themselves are daily turned from 
the truth, as love or hatred may act on them. 

I beseech Thee, therefore, O dearest Lord, 
keep me from that madness of heart, which 
would lead me to turn from the holy purpose 
to which I have put my hand; in life or in 
death may I follow Thee whithersoever Thou 
goest. 

Restrain me, that I wander not far from Thee 
in the hour of adversity ; let me not consent 
unto sin, following my own evil desires. May 
I rather, for the love of Thee and with a hearty 
yearning to do Thy will, manfully endure all 
labor and difficulty; lest, through my own 
slothfulness, I lose Thee, the Supreme Good. 

Let "not the foot of pride come against 
me," leading me to boast of any good work 
done by me ; nor let me speak arrogantly, as 
did Peter of old, preferring myself to any 
other, or claiming equality with others. May 
I always act with Thy fear, humbly considering 
how frail I am by nature. 

The fall of St. Peter and the flight of the 
Apostles, may they be to me a warning against 
sin, never a stumbling block in my way. 



80 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

May their return to repentance give me a 
sure hope of finding mercy after a fall; for, 
who is there so holy that he does not at times 
run into some kind of sin f 

And when it happens, that I am forsaken by 
friends and acquaintances, or despised, as an 
alien and unprofitable, by those very dear to 
me; then, as a special remedy, grant me to 
remember Thy most grievous desertion and 
rejection; and readily to give up all human 
consolation, if so be I may, even in a small 
degree, be worthily fashioned after Thy tribula- 
tions. 

O most merciful Jesus ! deal gently with me, 
in that I have so often sinned against Thee, so 
readily turned aside to the vanities of life ; that 
I have not diligently set my heart on that which 
I so fully purposed. 

Alas ! how often do I look back, and see in 
what trivial things my time is spent ; and oh, 
the anguish — Thy Passion so sadly forgotten ! 

Thou hast gone before me along the narrow 
way, and I pass through with tearless eyes, as 
if Thy sorrows in no way concerned me. Be 
mindful of my poor dull heart, and pour into 
me a loving recollection of Thy most bitter 
Passion. 



Meditations on the Life of Christ, 81 



CHAPTER VII. 

ON THE BRINGING JESUS BEFORE ANNAS, AND ON 
THE SMITING HIM ON THE RIGHT CHEEK. 

I BLESS and thank Thee, O Lord Jesu 
Christ, Thou Guide of our life and Author 
of our salvation, for Thy first arraignment be- 
fore Annas the High Priest; where, being 
questioned concerning many things, Thou wert 
roughly smitten on the cheek for Thy meek and 
truthful answer. 

I praise and exalt Thee, O Christ, Thou glo- 
rious King, for that dishonor, and for the out- 
rageous assault made on Thee by the hand of 
an audacious servant ; when, to the answer of 
Thy mouth, he returned Thee a heavy blow on 
Thy face, saying: — "Answerest Thou the High 
Priest so ? " 

To whom Thou for Thy part, O most gracious 
Jesu, calm in mind and speech, didst not omit 
to give a gentle answer, thus saying: — "If I 
have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil ; but 
if well, why smitest Thou Me ? " 

O most impious and vile slave, who daredst 
with guilty hands to strike the lovely face of 
Thy Creator ! O adorable Jesus ! how did the 



82 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

ineffable virtue of Thy meekness display itself , 
that Thou didst not at once indignantly resent 
so insulting a blow ; but rather with calm 
reasoning didst correct the spirit of the striker ? 

Consider now, thou faithful servant of Christ, 
and try thyself. Canst thou, for the love of 
Jesus, bear a blow on thy cheek ? Behold, if 
thou canst not bear a harsh word without 
anger, how couldest thou endure a blow f 

Thou grievest over the unjust violence to thy 
Lord, but more grievous far is it, that thou 
canst not y for the honor of Christ, suffer the 
smallest injury. 

Thou proposest what is noble — thy thoughts 
are for what is excellent ; yet art thou troubled 
at the first utterance of the reviler ; yea, thou 
findest thyself weaker than thou didst suppose. 

Flee then to Jesus, and only the more earn- 
estly plead with Him for the virtue of patience. 

O good Jesus, the strength and support of 
the troubled soul, teach me to bear with a quiet 
mind all reproaches, and reviling taunts. Let 
me never resist indignantly complaints unjustly 
brought against me, but vanquish them by a 
gentle silence. If compelled to speak, may I 
ever answer my adversaries with words that 
soothe and win. 

In the presence of all my opponents put into 
my mouth a just and godly conversation ; and, 



Meditations on the Life of Christ, 83 

while the hand of the wicked rageth against 
me. give me, most benign Jesus, as an in- 
vincible shield, a firmness of purpose lowly and 
calm. 

CHAPTER VIII. 

ON THE THREE DENIALS OF CHRIST BY PETER, 
AND HIS BITTER WEEPING, WHEN JESUS LOOKED 
UPON HBI. 

I BLESS and thank Thee, O Lord Jesu 
Christ, Foreseer of all things to come, that 
Thou, by way of warning, didst foretell his fall 
to Thy most zealous disciple, Peter. 

I glorify Thee for the sad dishonor that fell 
on Thee, through the denial of Thee thrice by 
Thy Apostle Peter. Dishonored indeed wast 
Thou, when he, charged by one of the weaker 
sex, denied all knowledge of Thee, saying : — u I 
know not the Man." 

I praise and for ever magnify Thy Name for 
the gracious look Thou didst mercifully cast 
on the blessed Peter ; so that he, immediately 
on the second crowing of the cock, might per- 
ceive his guilt, and hasten from the midst of 
evildoers. He went apart that he might, with 
deep contrition of heart, pour forth tears of 
bitterness for the grievous sin of having denied 
Thee. 



84 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

He had, however, by no means, like the most 
faithless Judas, fallen irreparably into the pit 
of despair. Thy unspeakable mercy yet con- 
tinued. Trusting in the plenteousness of Thy 
pity and in the tender love so often experienced 
by him, he hastened, with bitter lamentations, 
to the saving remedy of penitence. And so he 
found the gate of infinite mercy open to him. 

O the inestimable goodness of the Saviour ! 
O the open inexhaustible fountain of divine 
compassion and overflowing grace ! whence the 
sinner is wont to draw the fullest hope of 
pardon — the just, true, and abundant gifts of 
grace. 

Would that I possessed a fountain of tears, 
that, with blessed Peter, I might worthily 
deplore my sins 5 and so, through the merits of 
my Saviour, be meet to receive pardon thereof, 
and the favor that once was mine. 

Peter fell when, through the fear of death, 
he thrice denied the truth ; but by me eternal 
truth is daily oft offended, for, with every light 
temptation, I swerve from the path of virtue. 

When Peter fell suddenly, he rose again. I 
fall more quickly — more slowly do I rise. 
Rarely do I lament. Ill do I watch myself, and 
by me, alas ! dangers are too lightly regarded. 

Peter bitterly bewailed the occasion of his 
sin. Moved by his fall he fled, and sought 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 85 

seclusion for his tears ; bedewing with peniten- 
tial prayers spots contracted through incautious 
words. 

O blessed tears ! which by God's mercy so 
soon blot out past sin. By them also favor 
departed is restored. 

Remember me, O Lord Jesus, and have com- 
passion on me, a frail sinner, surrounded as I 
am by so many evil affections. Let me not 
sink under the burden of my sins, nor be 
weighed down by remorse after committing so 
much evil. 

Help, therefore, O kind Shepherd, Thy poor 
erring sheep ; draw forth the lapsed soul from all 
un cleanness ; comfort the afflicted ; strengthen 
the faint-hearted ; defend us from the adversary ; 
preserve us from the snares that encompass us ; 
and bring us, for whom Thou wast slain, to the 
kingdom of heavenly felicity ; of which Thou 
art the Doorkeeper and Prince. 

O good and most compassionate Jesus ! with 
deep yearning of soul I beseech Thee to look on 
me with Thy most holy eyes, as Thou didst on 
Peter, when he had denied Thee. Quickly pour 
into me the grace of holy contrition, that I 
may be cleansed from all that I have done 
wilfully or negligently against Thee. 

Hear the groanings of my heart; heal the 
bruises of my wounded conscience ; restore to 



86 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

me the light of fresh grace ; nor suffer the soul 
of a penitent to perish, seeing that, for its re- 
demption, Thou didst endure so many sorrows, 
so many wrongs, and at last the bitter agony 
of the Cross. 



CHAPTER IX. 

ON THE LEADING AWAY OF JESUS TO CAIAPHAS, 
THE HIGH PRIEST, AND HIS FALSE ACCUSA- 
TION. 

I BLESS and thank Thee, Lord Jesu 
Christ, Thou Priest of all Priests, and 
High Priest forever, for being so contempt- 
uously led away from the house of Annas to 
Caiaphas, the High Priest ; where the Scribes 
and Elders had assembled to devise cruel coun- 
sel against Thee. 

Alas ! how cursed a joy was theirs, when 
they beheld Thee bound and dragged before 
them. Long had they desired to take Thee, 
but in vain, for " Thine hour was not yet 
come." 

But "this is their hour and the power of 
darkness," allowed them of God, that they may 
complete their long-conceived hatred, and now 
carry out openly their inveterate malice. All 
this was for Thy glory and the salvation of the 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 87 

faithful. Equally was it for the eternal punish- 
ment of unbelievers. 

I praise and glorify Thee, Thou adorable 
Jesus, for Thy lowly bearing before the High 
Priest, with all the Elders of the people rudely 
gazing upon Thy lovely face. There Thou 
wast cruelly accused by witnesses most false, 
and by the High Priest ofttimes questioned; 
even strictly adjured to answer truthfully ; yea, 
the very charge of blasphemy brought against 
Thee : until at last, condemned by all, with loud 
cries they pronounced Thee worthy of death. 

I praise and honor Thee, O most noble Jesus, 
for every injury done Thee, every he uttered 
against Thee ; for Thy gentle demeanor and 
long-kept silence, while so many basely assailed 
Thee. No sign of complaint or murmuring 
didst Thou show, but stoodest an example of 
perfect meekness. 

And now, devoted lover of Christ, mark with 
all seriousness what excellence of lowly patience 
shone forth in Jesus. 

Behold what unworthy rebukes Jesus is com- 
pelled to bear, He whom the heavenly host 
adore. For a truthful answer He is charged 
with blasphemy. 

Verily, all, who so speak concerning Christ, 
are themselves blasphemers and guilty of most 
heinous sin. 



88 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

Yes, truly, in the madness of their hearts 
they work against Him all manner of wicked-, 
ness, for they believe not Jesus to be the Son 
of God. 

He, however, endures and is silent, and thus, 
while trodden under foot by the ungodly, the 
more does He conquer, the greater is His tri- 
umph. 

Wherefore, O faithful soul, cease to complain 
of reproaches cast on thee, and yearn not to 
return unto thine adversaries evil for evil. 

Bear and humble thyself under the weight 
of earthly tribulation ; yearn not to prosper in 
this life, seeing that Christ gladly endured the 
world's contempt. 

Blush, thou proud man, for thine honors and 
chief seats; for thy pomp and fine clothing; 
knowing, as thou dost, that Christ was poor 
indeed. Disgraceful is it to strive after man's 
favor and desire earthly pleasures, when Christ 
preferred the very opposite. 

O most adorable Jesus ! full of grace and 
ever gentle, grant me, a miserable sinner, the 
longed-for blessing of Thy propitiation; and 
teach me, by Thy lively example, not to dread 
the reproaches and terrors of the wicked, nor 
to be disturbed by false accusations ; but even 
readily to seek pardon for their offences against 
me, bowing myself with all lowliness before 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 89 

Thee and ray superiors ; so that I may be meet 
to receive gifts of grace more abundantly, and 
to return Thee more devout thanks for bless- 
ings received. 

CHAPTER X. 

HOW JESUS WAS MOCKED, SPIT UPON, BLIND- 
FOLDED, SMITTEN ON THE CHEEK AND BUF- 
FETED. 

T BLESS and thank Thee, O Lord Jesu 
J- Christ, Thou Who art the honor and glory 
of Saints, for the very grievous contempt and 
unholy treatment shown Thee ; when, after sen- 
tence of death had been pronounced, Thou 
wast so indecently treated and so insultingly 
mocked by heartless servants. Yea, with buf- 
ferings many and fierce did they smite Thee on 
Thy face and on Thy head. 

Alas ! that Thy most glorious face, on which 
Angels delight to gaze, should be shamefully 
defiled by the loathsome spitting of angry 
Jews, and struck with heavy blows from out- 
spread hands. 

Nor can we fail to believe, that straightway 
blood came forth abundantly, mingling with 
tears of lamentation ; and that Thy lovely neck 
was bruised by the frequent blows of angry 
strikers. 



90 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

Thy most bright eyes, which are ever over 
the righteous, were in mockery veiled after the 
manner of fools. 

Thy venerable head, so far above all creatures, 
is violently smitten by the polluted hands of 
sinners, who with shouts of derision leap about 
Thee, saying:— u Prophecy unto us, O Christ, 
who is it that smote Thee ? " 

Who can hear of these Thy many injuries, 
O Lord, without great sighing and sorrowing 
of heart? Surely what Thou dost bear far 
exceeds the limit of human endurance; the 
weight of so many insults severely vexes the 
loving hearts of the holy. 

Thou becamest an alien to Thy friends, de- 
serted by Thine acquaintances, a scorn and deri- 
sion to those that hated Thee without a cause, 
and winked with their eyes. 

Alas ! O Lord God, Thou joy of the Court of 
heaven, wherefore dost Thou, as if Thou wert 
one of the most simple of men, suffer Thyself 
to be thus mocked, spit upon, and buffeted by 
the ungodly ? 

O the raging Jews, all that night they spent 
in mocking and beating Thee ! Glutting them- 
selves with Thy sufferings, they rendered Thy 
face to all beholders almost beyond recognition. 

There remained however in Thee an un- 
wearied patience, and an incomparable beauty 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 91 

of soul, not to be discerned by Thine evil tor- 
mentors. 

Nevertheless, having in perfect innocence 
suffered all these things out of love, Thou art 
become to Thine Elect much more beautiful 
and dearer far ; according to the inner view of 
the mind, through which Thou, O Most High 
God, art perceived by them, most innocently 
suffering all these things out of Thy tender 
compassion. 

With the vastness of this most daring con- 
tempt of Thee acutely before me, teach me, I 
beseech Thee, most patient Jesus, to consider 
carefully mine own vileness; and, having 
weighed my sins, to perceive how justly I have 
deserved to be despised and rejected of men. 

Pity my imperfections, and strengthen my 
heart to bear the hard words of the world, even 
when my face blushes with shame for my un- 
holy doings. 

Thou didst in meekness bear many reproaches 
for me, a sinner despicable indeed ; and that, 
because Thou wast so truly lowly. Nay, more- 
over, even bonds and blows were without a 
murmur endured by Thee. 

O how unlike am I to Thee ! how far am I 
from true humility ! I, who for a slight offence 
or a thoughtless word, at once dislike a man ; 
and in return for a reproof, well fitted to profit 



92 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

me and for which I should be thankful indeed , 
I, on the contrary, become impatient, grow out 
of heart, and so lose the blessing offered me. 

I pray Thee, O Lord, pardon these my of- 
fences, and my frequent sins and levity, I 
have not kept my heart with a pure conscience ; 
nor have I, as in duty bound, submitted myself 
with due reverence to Thee, and to every reason- 
able ordinance. 

Give me a salutary penitence, with a fountain 
of tears. Grant me a love of discipline, that 
has Thy blows well in remembrance. When 
the world severely accuses me, bless me with 
the upholding palm of patience ; and may I 
deem myself worthy of contempt. 

May the cruel buffeting of Thy head lead me 
to bear patiently my bodily sufferings, and Thy 
scornful blindfolding restrain mine eyes from 
all vain curiosity. 

Let the foul spitting upon Thy comely face 
keep down all carnal affections within me, and 
teach me not to heed outward glitter, but rather 
to honor the hidden graces of the soul. 

Let the mockings practised on Thee drive 
away from me all light behavior and vain hilar- 
ity. Let the utter despisal of Thy dignity de- 
stroy in me all eager yearning for honor, and 
ever incline me to things which are lowly and 
little esteemed. Amen. 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 93 



CHAPTER XI. 

ON THE BRINGING OF JESUS BOUND BEFORE 
PILATE THE GOVERNOR, 

I BLESS and give Thee thanks, O Lord Jesn 
Christ, Thou most righteous Judge of 
quick and dead, for being brought 7 mid noise 
and clamor before Pilate the Governor. 

When the morning was come, all the Chief 
Priests, being gathered together in one place at 
an early hour, and having taken their vile 
counsel to put Thee to death, they, by the hands 
of their officers, brought Thee bound with cords 
before one who was uncircumcised — a heathen 
Governor. Then they assailed Thy innocence 
with accusations most grievous, daring to call 
Him, whom the holy Prophets of old proclaimed 
with high praises the Saviour of the world, a 
malefactor and subverter of their nation. 

O awful blasphemy of the Jews, to condemn 
the guiltless by false witnesses, to be ready to 
kill the Author of life, to seek the crucifixion of 
Christ their King, to desire one holy and just 
to be condemned to a death most shameful ! 

May all who persecute Thee be confounded 
and put to shame, for they are worthy of pun- 
ishments heavier far ! 



94 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

I praise and glorify Thee, O adorable Jesus, 
for the perfect rectitude of Thy demeanor, and 
for the reverend bearing shown by Thee before 
the tribunal of Pilate, the Judge. 

Where Thou, as a most meek lamb, didst 
stand bound with cords in the presence of 
Thine accusers j Thine head inclined, Thine eyes 
cast down to the ground, Thy countenance 
calm, Thy words few, Thy voice all so low and 
gentle, ready for reproach and prepared for 
stripes. 

Behold now and consider, O devoted follower 
of Christ, how thy Lord and Saviour, the King 
and Judge of all men, suffered Himself to be 
dragged to judgment, submitting Himself hum- 
bly and of His own will to the powers of this 
world. 

In this He has set before thee an example of 
most wholesome submission; that thou also, 
who art truly blameworthy for many faults, 
mavest learn to accuse thyself before God, and 
to show a fitting humility, when thou art 
charged with sin by thy fellows. 

If thou desirest to escape the pains of hell, 
submit thyself humbly to the judgment of those 
set over thee, nor dare to resist the power or- 
dained of God. 

And, for the love of Jesus, when judged 
wrongfully endure it patiently, even though 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 95 

some heavy sentence be pronounced against 
thee. 

Let not the wondrous patience of God, amidst 
so many false charges brought against Him, 
pass away unprofitably from thy heart. 

Theref ore, fall prostrate at the feet of Jesus, 
fast holden by bonds ; plead with Him for par- 
don and grace, pray Him to forgive all thy neg- 
ligences; that, in this thy day of mercy, He 
will correct thv excesses ; rather than after a 
season condemn thee with reprobates for ever. 

Be merciful, O good Jesus, be merciful to 
me, a sinner, for my " soul trusteth in Thee." 

Breathe into me a good spirit, which may 
urge me to a more earnest progress ; that I may 
heartily strive to humbly obey and submit my- 
self to those who are over me in the Lord, and 
receive with patience their every order. 

Grant that I may not fear man's judgment, 
and never be angry when accusations are 
brought against me. Rather let me desire to 
be exercised, accused, and disciplined, that the 
fear of presumption may be utterly trodden 
down, and my own will brought to nought. 
Thus, out of mv self-abasement, mav love of 
Thee every moment increase, and be forcibly 
drawn higher and higher heavenward. 



96 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 



CHAPTER XII. 

ON THE DERISION OP JESUS BY HEROD AND 
HIS SOLDIERS. 

I BLESS and thank Thee, Lord Jesu 
Christ, Eternal Wisdom of the Father, 
Thou who art the Supreme Truth and the In- 
finite Power of God, for that shameful contempt 
and bitter mockery endured Toy Thee, when 
Thou wast despised and derided by Herod and 
his soldiers. 

For, indeed, Herod had for a long time de- 
sired to see Thee, and, moved by curiosity, had 
hoped to behold some miracle done by Thee. 
But, when Thou madest no reply, nor wouldest 
without fitting cause work a miracle (surely 
it was the hour of suffering, not of miracle- 
working) ; then in his rage he ceased from all 
due reverence. Regarding Thee as simple, he 
haughtily despised Thee ; and arraying Thee in 
a white robe, he mocked Thee and sent Thee 
back to Pilate. 

I praise and honor Thee, O glorious Jesus, 
for these Thy wearying labors and cruel hurry- 
ings ; when, with derisive clamor, Thou wast 
led to and fro through the lanes and streets of 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 97 

Jerusalem, from place to place, from Judge to 
Judge, everywhere sorely accused, everywhere 
defamed ; and, after much questioning and a 
long trial, wast demanded for death by cruci- 
fixion. 

what marvellous patience, at this special 
period, shone forth in Thee, and ceased not 
though tried by many mockings ! The thought 
of this public contempt of Thee carries deep 
compunction to the hard heart, invites the 
angry to gentleness, and the devout soul to 
sorrow. 

Behold Thou, the Most High God, art brought 
low as the meanest of Thy creatures. Thou, 
the Almighty One, art thrust aside as most 
helpless. Thou, the Allwise, art mocked as the 
most foolish. Thou, the most Innocent, art 
judged as one guilty of deadly sin. 

Woe unto me, a miserable sinner ! weighed 
down under a heavy burden of sin ; who, ac- 
cording to the merit of my own doings, deserves 
eternal punishment ; on whose behalf Thou, O 
gracious, holy, and just God, didst, not disdain 
to be mocked and despised, that Thou mightest 
deliver me in my distress from the derision of 
devils, and from everlasting death. 

1 beseech Thee, therefore, O Jesus Almighty, 
whom no harshness could embitter, no contempt 
cast down, that Thou wouldest cut off from me 



98 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

everything outwardly vain and curious, and 
that I may learn to be content with lowly attire. 

For disgraceful is it, that earth and ashes 
should seek show or delicacy in dress, when 
Thou, the King of Heaven, wast an object of 
contempt, arrayed in a white garment. 

Set before the eyes of my mind Thy disgrace 
and derision, and teach me to follow Thee along 
the way of Thy reproach, yea, to rejoice when 
I am despised ; never to put my trust in the 
sons of men, nor in the princes of this world, 
nor in the power of friends ; but with my w^hole 
heart to despise all earthly things, and the lov- 
ers thereof. 

Lead me with unshaken constancy to follow 
Thee, Lord Jesus, Author of my salvation ; and 
to bear ever in memory the great and bitter 
taunts Thou didst endure for me, Thine un- 
worthy servant. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

OF THE WICKED CLAMOR OF THE JEWS, " CRU- 
CIFY HIM ! CRUCIFY HIM ! " 

I BLESS and give Thee thanks, Lord Jesu 
Christ, Thou perpetual joy of the Saints, 
for the great and insolent tumult of the Jews 
in their rage against Thee, furiously crying out, 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 99 



"Away with Him ! away with Him ! Crucify 
Him ! crucify Him ! " 

Alas, how violent the fierceness of the 
wretched Jews ! How inhuman the cruelty of 
the Chief Priests and Pharisees ! whom no fear 
could keep from murdering Thee, no reason 
hold back from shedding innocent blood ! 

The heathen Judge is moved to some com- 
passion, but the Jews are hardened to fiercer 
malignity. Pilate strives to excuse Thee, he 
seeks some device for setting Thee free, he de- 
clares that he has found no cause of death in 
Thee. 

But the Jews, forgetting all their benefits, 
oppose him with the reply, " If thou lettest this 
man go, thou art not Caesar's friend ; for every 
one who maketh himself a king, setteth himself 
up against Caesar." 

Alas, how falsely do they invent these things 
against Thy humility ! For neither by word 
nor deed hadst Thou sought worldly honors. 
So far from that, when the multitude, who, by 
a very signal miracle, had been fed with a few 
loaves and fishes, determined to make Thee a 
King, at once Thou didst retire to the solitude 
of a mountain, there abiding alone in secret 
prayer. 

Nor were such evil doings enough; others 
and worse were added thereto, that the Judge 



100 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

might be moved to kill the God-man Christ :— 
"We have a law (they cried), and by onr law 
He ought to die, because He made Himself the 
Son of God." 

The Governor hearing these things is afraid. 
He inquires, "Whence art Thou?" and asks, 
"What is truth?" No answer is given him, 
because the Jews with wild importunity demand 
sentence of death. 

At length, yielding to their great wickedness, 
and to preserve the favor of their leaders, the 
base Ruler assents to their unholy cry. 

how bitter and offensive was it that the 
words of malediction, " Crucify Him ! Crucify 
Him ! " — the blessed Jesus — should be pro- 
claimed throughout all Jerusalem ! 

Which of His lovers did not then grieve and 
weep, who, perchance, heard the curses and 
cries for crucifixion again and again uttered 
against his most loving Lord Jesus? 

O how mournful the voice, how most sad the 
rumor that filled the ears of the most saintly 
Virgin Mother ; when the cruel sentence of the 
people, and the tumultuous demand for the 
Cross, were borne aloft from the mouths of the 
multitude ! 

Moan, O devout servant of Jesus, and, from 
the inmost recesses of thy breast, draw forth 
the heavy groans of compunction. 



Meditations on the Life of Christ 101 

Learn with what pangs the heart of the 
Mother of G-od is troubled, when her Blessed 
Son is called for, to hang on the hateful Cross. 

He, who ever hears angelic songs sounding 
through the courts of heaven, "Holy, Holy, 
Holy" now hears Jews with their accursed 
tongues thundering out against Him in clamor- 
ing accents, "Away with Him! Away with 
Him ! Crucify Him ! " 

Him, whom but a little before at the Feast 
of Palms children praised, singing glad songs 
of joy; now (how changed the scene!) their 
very parents with savage mind, call for His 
crucifixion, saying, "Not this man, but Barab- 
bas." 

Meditate seriously on this hour, thou lover of 
thy Lord's Passion. Against the worst rumors 
of the world close firmly the ears of thy heart ; 
but open thine hearing widely to the dismal 
shouting for the crucifixion of Jesus. 

Faithful soul, I say unto thee, that it will be 
more profitable thus to meditate, than to study 
the stars of heaven. If thou truly lovest Jesus, 
thou wilt not pass through this period without 
a heavy sigh of bitterness. 

When, therefore, the world is against thee 
and assails thee with many unjust reproaches, 
be not broken in spirit by evil words, nor by 
the threatening of adversaries ; but bear well 



102 Meditations on the Life of Christ, 

in mind the most patient Jesus, and the revil- 
ings He endured for thee; and, with a deaf 
ear, suffer all foolish reports to pass by thee 
unheeded. 

When also thy good works are accounted as 
evil, and the more part oppose themselves to 
thy witness for Christ, and are unwilling to 
take thy word, bear with it all meekly ; because 
thou art not more innocent than Christ, against 
whom they insultingly cried, " Crucify Him ! 
Crucify Him ! " 

Know, therefore, this beforehand- since in 
thy walk heavenward thou wilt have to suffer 
contradictions not a few, yet wilt thou have no 
praise whatever of God, unless, for His sake, 
thou shalt be tried in thy various movements 
in life. 

Wherefore He hath said to His beloved 
friends, " Blessed are ye, when men shall hate 
you, and revile you, for the Son of Man's sake.' 7 

Follow then the innocent Jesus, rejected in- 
deed on earth by wicked men, but chosen of 
God the Father, and crowned in heaven with 
glory and honor. Let not evil speaking, which 
is but for a moment, overcome thee, for whom 
" an eternal weight of glory " is prepared by God. 

I now, therefore, beseech Thy boundless love, 
O gentle Lord Jesu Christ, that Thou wouldest 
inflame my heart with the grace of a large 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 103 

sympathy ; and cause it to burn with so glow- 
ing a fire of Thy love, that I may rejoice to bear 
with a peaceful mind all revilings and wrongful 
charges ; and never fear the terrors and annoy- 
ances of men ; but desire with my whole heart 
to imitate Thee in the reproach of the Cross. 

Arm me against the temptations of the flesh, 
and grant me with due discipline to crucify its 
evil affections ; to bewail with tears of penitence 
the faults already committed by me : and never 
to yield deliberate consent to any evil assault 
against me. 

Finally, in every spiritual conflict and dis- 
tress of heart, by the power of Thy life-giving 
Cross, succor and defend me from the wiles of 
the enemy. 

That which was prepared for Thy reproach, 
may it become my remedy ; that even I, by the 
victory of Thy holy Cross, may devoutly bring 
back to Thee the grateful sacrifice of praise. 
Amen. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

ON THE STRIPPING AND SCOURGING OF JESUS. 

I BLESS and give Thee thanks, O Lord Jesu 
Christ, Thou most gracious Protector of 
all who hope in Thee, for the shameful stripping 



104 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

of Thee in the presence of Thy deriders ; when, 
at the cruel mandate of the impious Judge, the 
soldiers of the court spoiled Thee of Thy cloth- 
ing, and presented Thee naked to be bound with 
hard cords, and scourged with the sharpest 
rods, as if a wicked corrupter and the vilest 
transgressor of the law. 

And all this to gratify, forsooth, the angry 
minds of the Priests, who sought to devour Thy 
life, and bring Thee down with sorrow to the 
grave, 

I extol and honor Thee with suppliant praise, 
especially for being fast bound to the hard pil- 
lar; that Thou mightest loose us from the 
bonds of our sins, and restore us to never-end- 
ing liberty in things celestial. 

I praise and glorify Thee with continual 
thanks for Thy barbarous scourging, and for 
eveiy hard blow and acute piercing of Thy most 
sacred and tender Body- whilst these cruel 
scourgers pitilessly struck, and deeply tore Thy 
spotless flesh, stripe after stripe ; inflicting on 
every side bruise upon bruise ; so that there 
was no sound part in Thee ! 

Innumerable fountains of Thy precious 
Blood, like unto crimson streams, poured forth 
abundantly at every stroke. And this, that 
Thou mightest wash us from the inveterate 
pollutions of our sins, and cleanse oar souls 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 105 

from all their guilt by Thy most precious Blood. 

Alas ! alas ! O Lord, how great the madness 
of these base Jews ! What hearts of stone had 
the smiters, who feared not, unprovoked, to 
scourge Thee, the fairest of men. Yea, they 
stood as giants against Thee, and spared Thee 
not. 

O Thou holy Elect Child, the Child of my 
Lord, why didst Thou have pity on me, worthy 
as I am of so much bitterness ? Verily, I am 
nothing. I, even I, a man of perdition, was the 
cause of all this Thy sorrow and confusion. 
The greatness of my sins was woe to Thee. To 
remove them, it was necessary for the Son of 
God to suffer bitter torments indeed. 

Therefore, O devout soul, redeemed by the 
purple Blood of Christ, and with the affection 
of His great compassion, have well in memory 
the scourging of thy Lord, and return to Him 
the obedience of a devoted gratitude. 

O superlatively sweet Jesus, who for me, the 
basest of sinners, wast cruelly beaten, grant me 
with rent heart to gaze on the wale of each 
stroke ; and from my inmost soul, with tender 
love, devoutly and passionately to kiss the same. 
From whence I feel the savor of life to flow to 
me, and the soothing balm of eternal salvation. 

Inflame me with the ardor of Thy unmeasur- 
able charity, whereby Thou hast proved Thy 



106 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

love for me ; when, for Thy condemned servant, 
Thou didst vouchsafe most patiently to endure 
so many stripes. 

Help my infirmity by Thy grace in the hour 
of heavy tribulation; lest, when severely op- 
pressed by disquiet, I be cast down or greatly 
disturbed in mind. Full well rem embering Thy 
unjust scourging, may I be found submissive 
under every trial. 

Make me a partaker of Thy sufferings, and 
move me to amendment of life by the discipline 
of sons ; that, being in all lowliness chastened, 
I may, here on earth, the more acceptably serve 
Thee ; and, when this life is over, triumph with 
Thee in greater glory ; where the Saints, having 
all fear of evil removed, rejoice in the eternal 
victory of patience. 



CHAPTER XV. 

ON THE STRIPPING, MOCKING, CROWNING, AND 
SMITING OP THE HEAD OF JESUS. 

I BLESS and give Thee thanks, O Lord Jesu 
Christ, illustrious King of Saints and radi- 
ant Crown of eternal glory, for the many un- 
heard-of scoffs and vexations, with which Thou 
wast at length exercised by base torturers, when 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 107 

brought by cruel soldiers into the Judgment- 
hall. 

Where, the whole band being assembled, 
Thou wast shamefully stripped of Thine own 
garments; and, in place thereof, wast con- 
temptuously clad in a purple robe, that Thou 
mightest clothe us, who are devoid of all virtue, 
with the cloak of Thy righteousness, and adorn 
us with the sweetness of Thy nature. 

I praise and glorify Thee with the special 
devotion of my sympathizing heart, for Thy 
most grievous punishment — the crown of thorns 
— which, for us poor worms, Thou didst pa- 
tiently bear on Thy sacred head. 

For then Thy blessed head, sanctified above 
all Nazarites, was so crowded with thorns, and 
so sharply pierced, even to the tenderest parts 
thereof ; that large streams of blood flowed on 
all sides about Thv neck, Thine ears, Thine 

V 7 7 

eyes, and Thy cheeks; rendering that sweet 
face of Thine, on which the spitting of the Jews 
was yet scarcely dry, all bloody and disfigured. 

O spectacle most sad, to behold the Son of 
God, in Whom no sin could be found, thus 
crowned with reproach and cruelty ! 

O most bitter rage of the soldiers, who shud- 
dered not to pierce with so many thorns, so 
holy, so beautiful, so noble, and so venerable a 
head; but even dared to salute in derision, 



108 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

strike, and publicly mock the very King of 
Angels ! 

most gentle Jesus, Thou King most loving, 
Crown of confessors, strength of warriors, the 
joy of potentates, the example of all Thy fol- 
lowers, how vilely art Thou treated in my be- 
half ; how fiercely art Thou tortured ; with how 
many worryings art Thou filled from without ; 
with what unutterable sufferings art Thou over- 
whelmed from within ! That Thou mightest 
snatch me from eternal confusion and the tor- 
ments of hell, take out from my heart the thorns 
of vice, and crown me in the heavens with un- 
ceasing honor and glory. 

1 praise and glorify Thee for that derisive 
greeting, that false adoration shown Thee, when 
the ministers of cruelty, with bended knees, vio- 
lently struck Thee. Scoffingly worshipping they 
scornfully called Thee a king, exclaiming with 
an impious shout, " Hail, King of the Jews ! " 

Alas, O mortal man, servant of sin, consider 
how great the anguish and contempt, to which 
the Only-Begotten Son of the Father is sub- 
jected for thee. 

Open the ears of thy mind, and, at Pilate's 
cruel cry, " Behold the Man ! v melt into holy 
sighs and tears. If there be in thee, therefore, 
any bowels of compassion, groan and weep in 
sympathy with the Creator of the universe. 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 109 

I praise and bless Thee, O most noble Jesus, 
for that scornful mockery, when, to increase 
Thy confusion, in Thy right hand was placed a 
reed for a royal sceptre ; as if Thou hadst been 
the rash usurper of kingly dignity. 

I praise and exalt Thee for the severe blows 
on Thy sacred head, already wounded, received 
from merciless men and brutal torturers ; blows 
repeatedly delivered from the loftily raised reed- 
staff. Foully also did they spit on Thee, and 
thrust out their venomous tongues at Thee. 

Come forth now, ye daughters of Jerusalem, 
and behold King Solomon with the crown, with 
which His Mother (the Synagogue of the Jews) 
crowned Him on the day of His Passion. 

Consider how great is He that goeth forth. 
With what deep affliction and reproach is He 
led out, at the command of Pilate, that to all 
may be made manifest His most piteous ap- 
pearance. In good truth, sad is it to behold 
these things, very grievous are they to think 
on ; devout love calls aloud for our compassion. 

Behold the patient and meek Jesus goes forth 
from the Judgment-hall, wearing on His head 
the crown of thorns, and arrayed in a purple 
robe. Perchance the fury of a treacherous peo- 
ple might be a little moved to pity, seeing the 
Christ so terribly dishonored and afflicted. 

But alas ! alas ! the malicious crowd rage the 



110 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

more violently, and to the Governor's public 
cry, " Behold the Man/ 7 exclaim with increased 
fierceness, "Away with Him ! Away with Him ! 
Crucify Him ! " 

Hearing all this, and, with the words deep 
in thy heart, tremble and wax pale, thou faith- 
ful lover of Jesus, at the vastness of His sor- 
row. 

Beat thy breast, pour out thy tears, prostrate 
thyself before the crowned Jesus, bearing the 
outward appearance of a king, yet filled with 
the confusion of the most despicable slave. 

Who submitted Himself to the miseries of 
these awful punishments, that He might restrain 
in thee all yearning for worldly glory, and sub- 
due in thee the plague of pride. 

O man, formed of the dust of the ground, be 
thou ashamed to follow the glory of the world, 
when thou seest the noble head of thy Lord so 
dishonored. 

Far be it from thee, that, under a thorn- 
crowned head, there be found an effeminate 
member; seeing that He, of the highest maj- 
esty, bows Himself down to a state hard and 
lowly indeed. 

Be thou unwilling to seek the paths of an 
easy life ; take to thyself rather the fervor of a 
severe discipline. 

Be confounded, all ye sons of pride, who pant 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. Ill 

after higher things ; who raise aloft your heads 
that ye may seem more worthy. Alas ! it is 
thus ye become only the more degraded. 

Blush, in the presence of the scourged and 
thorn-crowned Jesus, to walk majestic in your 
splendor, ye who adorn yourselves with silks 
and precious stones; who array those bodies, 
that so soon will perish, with chains of gold 
and silver, your heads in pride all delicately 
attired ; but ye consider not the work of your 
redemption, with what dire agonies it was ac- 
complished. 

Be comforted, be comforted, thou poor ulcer- 
stricken Lazarus, the despised of the world, 
whoever thou mayest be ; for thou, in thy in- 
firmities and contempt, bearest a closer resem- 
blance to Jesus of Nazareth, than the rich man 
in his evil way, clothed though he be in purple 
and fine linen. 

And thou, lowly brother, be not ashamed of 
thy coarse and patched garment; for to thy 
special glory is it, in the sight of God and His 
Angels, if, when poor in dress, thou art seen 
richly clad in holiness. 

For, how utterly out of order is it for one, 
who professes to be a follower of Jesus, to yearn 
for cloth of fine texture, when to this world he 
should be dead ; and in the use of all earthly 
things, ever embrace poverty. 



112 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

The man of God, apart from the world, 
whose life it is to meditate often with sorrowing 
heart on the torturing coronation of Jesus, 
when he himself is afflicted, how true and sweet 
is his comfort. 

As often, therefore, as thou feelest thyself 
perplexed, call to mind all the thorns borne by 
Jesus ; and thou wilt bear thy trouble more 
meekly, whether thou hast been greatly annoyed 
by others, or severely visited by pains in the 
head ; or (which for the most part is the more 
grievous), when thy good name has been torn 
by the many thorns of calumny. 

Happier far for thee to suffer now with 
afflicted Jesus, and to bear a crown of thorns 
with crowned Jesus, by enduring many and 
varied grievances here on earth ; than, having 
lived to thyself, to suffer hereafter the pains of 
hell, and (what will try most the lost) to be 
eternally severed and banished from the most 
delightful face of the Saviour Jesus, and from 
the sweet company of all the blessed. 

O how joyful and devoid of all fear shall he 
stand in the presence of the eternal King, at 
the last and awful Judgment, who now is not 
ashamed to bear the reproach of his dishonor, 
and the pains of bodily suffering. 

O how acceptable and dear to God is that 
soul, how fruitful will be found its meditations ; 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 113 

which is inwardly troubled for the sufferings of 
Jesus, is wounded to the heart for His wounds, 
and, out of sorrow for His Death, with a loving 
death dies with Him. 

I sorrow over Thee, O good Jesus, patient 
and meek, so grievously scourged, shamefully 
mocked, and most cruelly crowned for me. O 
grant unto me, I pray Thee, the grace of a 
penetrative compunction, that I may be able to 
sorrow the more abundantly. 

Wherefore, humbly prostrate before Thee, I 
adore Thy venerable Majesty, in Thy human 
nature so contemptuously degraded. With de- 
vout lips I earnestly plead, that Thou wouldest 
clearly imprint and ardently stamp upon my 
heart that miserable expression of Thy counte- 
nance ; such as Thou wast seen to have in that 
hour when, as an abhorred leper, Thou wast 
thrust from among men, and ? mid confusion led 
forth, crowned with thorns — a spectacle unto 
the public. 

May it enter — may that appearance most sad 
enter the recesses of my heart, and may I be 
so effectually pricked in my conscience and tor- 
tured, that everything worldly and selfish may 
perish from mine eyes, and all that is carnal 
and lustful utterly die away. May all that is 
bitter and vile become sweet and pleasant. 
May Thy sufferings subdue in me all evil affec- 



114 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

tions, and Thy heaviest sorrows soften my daily 
troubles. » 

May this sacred impression of Thy crown- 
ing, seriously and deeply realized, comfort me 
greatly in adversity, and uphold me against the 
assaults of inconstant wanderings. 

For the mind engaged with heavenly things, 
and given to contrition, is freed from noxious 
thoughts, and protected from the assailing darts 
of the enemy. 

Free me, O Lord Jesu, of my every spot of 
selfishness, clothe me with real virtues, and 
grant me cheerfulness even when despised; 
that I may learn to endure calmly, when de- 
prived of the necessaries of life ; and never to 
be indignant should old garments be served me 
instead of new, or rougher dress in the place of 
that which ought to be better. 

Let me not murmur against those who mock 
me, nor contend with those who upbraid me ; 
but, in remembrance of Thy crown of thorns, 
may I, for my salvation's sake, calmly accept 
whatever pain and perplexity may befall me. 

Prick at last the hardness of my heart, and 
with the sharpest thorn on Thy head pierce its 
very centre ; that all in my blood that is hurt- 
ful, mingled with the evils of the flesh, may 
pour forth from the wound ; and the great spur 
of Thy sacred love remain fixed therein, till I 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 115 

be fully purged from the thorns of vice, and 
the thistles of temptation, and so duly prepared 
for the seeds of virtue. 

Thus may the ground of my heart, infected 
with the first curse, by the infusion of Thy 
sacred Blood, receive a new blessing. 

And the end will be, that the rose of love 
will spring up in me, where once was the thorn 
of envy 7 ; the lily of chastity, in place of the 
nettle of lust ; the violet of humility, instead of 
the briar of vanity ; and the flowers of gentle- 
ness, where once flourished the brambles of 
asperity. Amen. 



CHAPTER XVI. 

ON THE UNJUST CONDEMNATION OF JESUS TO 
THE DEATH OF THE CROSS. 

I BLESS and give Thee thanks, O Lord Jesu 
Christ, Author of life and Rule of justice, 
for Thine unjust condemnation to death, with- 
out any offence of Thine; whilst a man un- 
worthy to live, a murderer and a rebel, was 
suffered to go free. 

O judgment most perverse ! O exchange 
most unhappy ! For when among the people 
a mighty tumult was raging, and the Judge 



116 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

could in no way allay the fierceness of the Jews, 
he sat in judgment and passed the wicked sen- 
tence, that Barabbas the robber, who for a capi- 
tal crime merited death, should be spared ; and 
that Thou, pure from every offence, shouldest 
be given over to the Cross, there to be punished 
by a death most ignominious. 

Alas ! alas ! such is the judgment of this 
world. How terribly is justice set at naught 
when the wicked have the dominion. Behold 
how the Righteous perisheth, and there is none 
to deliver Him. 

O grievous indeed! The Man of Truth is 
made over to deceivers ; the unjust scourge the 
holy ; the innocent is given up instead of the 
guilty; a robber is preferred to Christ, and 
Barabbas in bonds is set at liberty instead of 
Jesus of Nazareth. 

The lamb is exchanged for the wolf; the 
Saint for the criminal ; the best for the worst ; 
the deadly sinner escapes in the place of the 
true God. Darkness is preferred to light ; vice 
to virtue ; death to life ; clay to gold ; the shell 
to the pearl ; the infamous to the honorable ! 

Who, hearing these things, does not sorrow ? 
Who is not incensed against the Jews ? Who 
does not condemn the Judge f Let that Judge 
wash his hands, let him excuse himself before 
men, let him say that he acted through fear of 



Meditations on the Life of Christ 117 

Caesar ; that he was impelled by the importu- 
nity of the Jews ; still is he in no way free from 
guilt, for he knew that " for envy they had de- 
livered Him." 

Better far would it have been for him to have 
lost the high place of honor, which is, at the 
best, but for a little moment, than to have con- 
demned the innocent, whom he knew to be just. 
More to his profit had he lost the whole w^orld, 
than to sin against God by murdering the 
Christ. 

O how terrible will be the judgment of the 
wicked and unbelieving ; when, at the last day, 
God the Judge, now judged unjustly, shall ap- 
pear in the glory of His Majesty ! 

Then shall all the truly faithful be glad ; who 
now so bitterly mourn over the cruel condemna- 
tion of Jesus Christ their Lord. 

Then shall rejoice in safety all, who now 
bear with patience the trials of the world, the 
losses they sustain, and the contempt they re- 
ceive. 

O holy and sweet Jesus, Who wast unjustly 
judged by Pilate, the Governor, and condemned 
to the shame of the Cross ! grant me humbly 
to undergo whatever sentence may be pro- 
nounced against me, never rashly to judge him 
who is over me in the Lord, nor assail in anger 
mine accuser; but rather, following Thy ex- 



118 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

ample, may I strive after the like virtue of 
silence. 

May I never deem it hard to be trodden un- 
der foot by one higher than I, but commit to 
Thee the scrutiny of every decree. 

For "the servant is not greater than his 
Lord." If they have sentenced Thee falsely, 
Who art the Judge of all men and Thou, Who 
wert entirely guiltless, resistedst not the violence 
of Thine adversaries ; how much more does it 
behove me, who in so many things do so often 
offend, to suffer patiently ; readily submitting 
myself when under censure. 

Help me, gracious Lord, readily to bear the 
yoke of subjection and the rod of correction, 
and in the hour of my every tribulation, let me 
have Thy sorrows well in remembrance. 



CHAPTER XVII. 

ON JESUS CARRYING THE CROSS, AND BEING 
LED TO THE PLACE CALLED CALVARY. 

I BLESS and give Thee thanks, O Lord Jesu 
Christ, Thou true Vine, Thou Way of 
Life, and our Salvation, for bearing publicly 
the very grievous and ignominious Cross, which, 
for the redemption of the whole human family, 



Meditations on the Life of Christ 119 

Thou didst condescend to take up and patiently 
to bear; that Thou mightest, on Thine own 
shoulders, carry back with Thee to the Courts 
of heaven, the lost sheep so long sought by 
Thee, and after so much labor found by Thee. 

I praise and honor Thee, renowned Standard- 
bearer of the Christian Army, for Thy going 
forth sorrowful and in the midst of confusion ; 
when, with the ponderous Cross of wood, cruelly 
laid upon Thee, Thou wast ignobly led without 
the beautiful city, in which Thou hadst before, 
by many miracles and discourses, so gloriously 
shone forth. But now the furiousness of the 
multitude is more bitterly raised against Thee, 
as against some associate of thieves — some 
leader of robbers, and Thou art declared worthy 
only to be hanged on the highest Cross, in the 
midst of the basest of men. 

I praise and glorify Thee, O most excellent 
Jesus, for this trying and most oppressive 
march, this strange journeying about, which 
Thou didst undergo for us ; for every step of 
Thy feet impressed on the earth, for the excess- 
ive weariness of Thy body, weakened by pre- 
vious torturing ; for the ascents and descents 
of a rough road, made so toilsome by the weight 
of Thy Cross ; for the hurried driving and base 
dragging of Thee by Thine unfeeling attend- 
ants. 



120 Meditations on the Life of Christ . 

By them Thou wast ordered to advance, 
roughly wast Thou thrust forward, cruelly 
goaded on from behind, violently dragged on 
before ; of ttimes hither and thither most cruelly 
worried. Thou didst make Thy way of sorrow, 
greatly pressed down and bent, compelled as 
Thou wast to bear an intolerable burden to the 
heights of Calvary. 

Alas ! alas ! never hadst Thou such a journey 
— never so rugged a track — never didst Thou 
bear so painful a yoke. 

I praise and highly exalt Thee for being ut- 
terly set at naught by the vilest of men, who 
led, dragged, and insulted Thee ; for the many 
foul utterings they hurled at Thee ; for the re- 
proachful scandals against Thine innocence, 
falsely put forth by the way ; for the insolent 
exultation of Thine adversaries, gloating over 
Thy cruel Death and shameful Crucifixion. 

Amidst such miseries enclosing Thee on every 
side, Thou wentest forth like a meek lamb that 
is led to the slaughter ; bent on man's salvation, 
pitying the blindness of the Jews, and deeply 
sighing over the malice of those in charge of 
Thee. 

I praise and bless Thee for the heart's tender 
love shown towards Thee, for the plenteous 
tears of compassion poured forth by Thy 
friends, and for the devout attendance of the 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 121 

pitying women, who bitterly bewailed Thee. 
Modestly, with downcast looks, they followed 
Thee step by step for a season. 

Turning to them with a gracious exhortation, 
Thou didst calm their mournful sobbing, thus 
saying : " Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for 
me, but weep for your children. For if they 
do these things in a green tree, what shall be 
done in the dry ? " 

O how great was then the grief of all Thy 
dear ones ! how especially great the lamenta- 
tions of the holy women, looking after Thee 
with the deepest feeling of compassion, utterly 
unable to approach Thee — helpless to deliver 
Thee from death ! 

But, O, how inconceivable the grief which 
seized and agitated the inmost soul of Mary, 
Thy Mother; when she beheld her only, her 
dearly-loved Son bearing on His back the 
shame of the Cross, and hurried away to death ! 

O how readily would Thy Blessed Mother, 
the loving Mary, have borne for Thee the griev- 
ous scandal of the Cross ; and, if it could have 
been permitted, how gladly would she have died 
in Thy stead, had she deemed it acceptable to 
Thee! 

But that which in her earthly body she was 
neither able nor permitted to bear, she bore 
most completely in the depths of her soul. For 



122 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

she, who has loved most fervently, suffers most 
fully, is afflicted more severely, yea, and with 
Thee more truly bears the Cross. 

For into the heart of no other did Thy un- 
searchable sorrow so penetrate, as into the lov- 
ing soul of Thy dearly beloved Mother, Virgin 
of the purest charity. 

Nor is it to be doubted that Mary Magdalene, 
Thy most fervent lover, now almost worn out 
by much and bitter weeping, would, impelled 
by affection, have in her turn with Thy Virgin 
Mother most readily seized Thy Cross, and have 
borne it in Thy stead. 

And hence Thine inward grief was increased 
by various means, apart from that which op- 
pressed Thee from without, viz., for the disper- 
sion of Thy disciples, and the sorrow of Thy 
Mother ; for the grave offence of many, and the 
distrust of those who despaired of Thy Resur- 
rection. For, with the sole exception of the 
glorious Virgin, the faith of others wavered, or 
was to all appearance extinct. 

O religious disciple of Christ, do thou also 
hasten to become a bearer of the mystical 
Cross; strive to follow the footsteps of Thy 
Redeemer, if thou wouldest secure joys eternal. 

Dread not the short labor of penitence, nor 
desire the rigor of discipline to be relaxed ; but 
consider little and light whatever the rule of 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 123 

the Church enjoins. Joyfully carry out what- 
ever holy obedience demands. 

If thou deemest it difficult to obey every 
direction, remember, that for thee Christ be- 
came obedient to more grievous commands, 
even to death on the most shameful Cross. 

Keep, therefore, the strict rule of the early 
Church. Forsake not a path that leads to a 
kingdom. Avoid the softer track, which is 
wont to entice the idle to destruction. 

Thou didst indeed take up thy Cross, when 
thou didst openly declare on the side of Christ. 
Thou didst take it up in good truth, when thou 
didst go apart from the world to devote thyself 
to Jesus. 

In religion, to live nobly and righteously, is 
to imitate the Crucified One. Gladly dost thou 
bear thy Cross, if in thy station thou makest 
progress fervently. 

If thou bearest it unwillingly and with mur- 
muring, thou shalt not have glory with Jesus ; 
thy punishment will be that of the godless rob- 
ber. But if thou bearest all things readily and 
cheerfully ; then, in a great degree, thou hast 
vanquished the evil one. 

Fear not therefore the strictness of thy dis- 
cipline, nor reckon on a life of many days. 
The love of Christ and the sweetness of a holy 
life will lighten the burden of thy labors. 



124 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

For thou hast a Forerunner Who bore a 
harder life, a Leader providing the noblest ex- 
ample — Jesus the Son of God, the great Patron 
of the Cross, who in Himself has well proved 
the weight thereof. 

Follow therefore the Saviour by the way of 
the Cross ; never putting aside religion — never 
relaxing the purpose of a zealous disciple. 
Thus do and thou shalt be safe for ever. 

For hadst thou wished to enjoy the delights 
of the world, or to occupy thyself with thine 
own business or pleasures, thou couldest cer- 
tainly have remained in the full fling of this 
life. But now, having declared for Christ by 
entering on a life of holiness, hold firmly to the 
faith thou hast professed. 

Pray Jesus with power to uphold thee ; for 
He, who formerly moved thee to begin well, 
will also enable thee to bring thy work to a 
happy completion. 

O most beloved Jesus, the Prince of the Kings 
of the earth, the Ruler of Angels, the glorious 
Standard-Bearer of all Christians, who, for the 
salvation and example of Thy servants, didst 
carry Thy Cross on Thine own shoulders, before 
the face of scoffing Jews ; grant that I may fol- 
low Thee in this procession, albeit too slowly. 

Forsake me not before the hour appointed 
for mine end, but lead my wandering soul from 



Meditations on the Life of Christ 125 

the body of sin to Calvary — the mount of 
myrrh and frankincense ; where Thon didst 
suffer Crucifixion and Death for me 5 that there 
with Thee I may rest beneath the Cross, and 
thereby be protected. 

Grant me earnestly to begin and carry on a 
new fervor, and not to follow the fickleness of 
the lukewarm 5 but with the eyes of my heart 
to gaze steadily on Thy Cross-bearing image, 
and so to escape the ever-changing curiosity of 
the unstable. 

Be Thou a leader in the narrow way and 
companion in my progress, an upholder in my 
successes, a Comforter in adversity, and a fel- 
low-laborer in all my efforts for the honor of 
Thy Name. 

Help me to bear the burden and heat of the 
day, that I may be able to follow Christian dis- 
cipline at all times, and in all holy observances. 

Grant me also, in my greatest troubles and 
anxieties, to remember Thy oppressive weari- 
ness under the weight of the Cross ; for the lit- 
tle I bear is scarcely worthy to be named, when 
I consider the trying weight of the Cross that 
was laid on Thee. 

May I, therefore, willingly and cheerfully 
bear the burden of religion assumed and un- 
dertaken of my own free will ; ever relying on 
Thy loving aid. Because, though for a short 



126 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

period, Thou permittedst me to be at seasons 
heavy laden, to increase in me the grace of hu- 
mility ; still dost Thou, in a fitting time and 
manner, succor me in Thy great mercy. 

Teach me to keep down my own will, to be 
contented with little, and never be given to 
wandering. Let my hands be employed in 
godly labor, and my heart in meditating on Thy 
Holy Scriptures. 

May all my members serve Thee, all my 
senses be under strict discipline ; and, notwith- 
standing my many shortcomings, vouchsafe to 
number me among the true bearers of the Cross. 
Put far away from me all hurtful knowledge of 
worldly matters, and cleanse me from all that 
is impure. 

May I have no pleasure in mere outward 
things, nor idly engage myself in foolish con- 
verse. Rather may my study be to learn my 
inner heart, and give myself to secret sorrow- 
ing; sending forth sighings many for my 
manifold negligences and excesses. May I 
cast from me all that hinders my progress in 
virtue. 

May I follow the way of Thy contemplators, 
who know how to soar above all heights with 
minds calm and subdued. May I constantly 
have in memory Thy Cross so lovingly borne 
for me, and with a like step may I be moved to 



Meditations on the Life of Christ 127 

the love thereof, and so daily with meet obe- 
dience resign myself to Thy will. 

Yes, may I bear the burden laid upon me, 
and never wantonly resist it, until I shall attain 
the place of longed for safety and peace. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

ON THE CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS, AND ON HIS 
HANGING HIGH AND LONG ON THE CROSS. 



I 



BLESS and give Thee thanks, O Lord Jesu 
Christ, Thou most benign Creator of man 
and Restorer of his corrupt nature, for the 
shameful denuding Thee before the Cross: 
where, in the sight of the whole multitude of 
spectators, and in the face of robbers roaring 
for their prey, Thou wast publicly stripped and 
ignominiously unclothed. 

With all Thy garments cruelly torn from 
Thee and given for booty, there Thou stoodest 
blushing and trembling, girt only with a thin 
linen cloth, crowned with a wreath of thorns 
for a diadem; a reproach to all — an outcast 
mocked. In a word, nothing of worldly goods 
hadst Thou, but, like an exile and poor pilgrim, 
yea, the poorest of the poor, Thou wast destitute 
of everything, void of every human comfort. 



128 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

For as the first Adam, when placed in Para- 
dise, walked, before his fall, in naked liberty ; 
so didst Thou in like manner ascend the Cross 
naked, to regain the lost home of peace, from 
which he for his sin was cast out and driven 
far, far away. 

In order that man's innocency might be re- 
stored him, and he be clad in the garment of 
righteousness, and so made meet for Life eter- 
nal, Thou didst suffer Thy clothing to be taken 
from Thee, and Thyself to be filled with sor- 
rows and perplexities — yea, at last, Thou didst 
pay the penalty of a most bitter death. 

I praise and honor Thee, Thou most ardent 
lover of our salvation, for being rigidly stretched 
on the hard wood of the Cross, so roughly 
placed under Thee for Thy reception ; for the 
sharp piercing of Thy hands and feet, and the 
driving in of the thick nails; the sound of 
which could be heard far and wide, and so move 
to tears the hard hearts of the spectators. 

Alas ! alas ! so firmly wast Thou fastened to 
the Cross, that Thy veins suddenly bursting, 
broad streams of Thy precious Blood flowed 
forth from Thy hands and Thy feet. 

So rigorously also wast Thou extended, that 
all Thy joints were loosened, and all Thy bones 
could be distinctly numbered. 

And Thou didst allow Thy hands and Thy 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 129 

feet to be thus pierced by the ungodly ; so that, 
having Thy sacred hands nailed to the Cross, 
Thou mightest discharge the heavy debt of 
Adam, who put forth his guilty hands to the 
forbidden tree ; and with Thy innocent Blood 
mightest wipe out the stain of long-standing 
guilt. 

I praise and glorify Thee for being lifted up 
on high on the Cross, and for Thy long sus- 
pension thereon — on the tree so thoroughly 
despised ; held by the Jews of those days ac- 
cursed, but now honored by all Christians above 
all the trees of the forest. 

On which, for our salvation, Thou didst hang 
some three hours or more; working out the 
great and wondrous mysteries of the Cross, to 
the whole world about to be so vast a blessing. 

For, indeed, Thou wast exalted from the earth 
that Thou mightest draw up to Thee the loving 
hearts of the faithful; lest they should dally 
with earthly pleasures; that Thou mightest 
soften the loving spirits of the devout into com- 
passion for Thee, and more ardently inflame 
them by the spectacle of the Cross. 

Look up now, O faithful servant of Jesus, 
and with sad heart and mournful countenance 
behold thy God and thy Redeemer, hanging 
between the lofty arms of the Cross. 

Lo, thy Beloved is naked, and presents Him- 



130 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

self to be seen of thee. He stands with fixed 
feet, and awaits thy approach. He longs for thy 
free access ; He spreads forth His most loving 
arms ; He shows His wide wounds ; He bends 
His head to kiss thee, ready to receive thee into 
His favor, and at once forgive all thy sins. 

Come then boldly to the Cross of Jesus, lov- 
ingly touch the hanging figure ; ardently em- 
brace, firmly hold and most devoutly kiss it. 
There prostrate thyself ; there lie and cleave 
to the holy ground. Withdraw not from the 
Cross, that at least thou mayest receive one 
drop of the ebbing Blood of Christ; or hear 
the words He utters therefrom ; or be nigh unto 
Him in His last agony. 

May the earth, which received the dying 
Saviour, in like manner receive thee; and 
where Jesus has been buried, there also be thy 
resting place. So that, being one with Him in 
spirit, there may be also oneness in the burial 
of the body. 

Pay to Him all due lamentation ; enter the 
secret chambers of thy heart. Let the Crucified 
One find thee a gracious and sorrowing disciple, 
grateful, devout, and inwardly His; lovingly 
drawn by His wounds, that all the world may be 
crucified to Thee, and thou to the world ; that 
Christ alone be life to thee, and to die to Him 
thy greatest gain. 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 131 

Far be it from thee to glory, save in the 
Cross of thy Lord Jesus Christ. Far be it from 
thee to trust in thine own merits, because, on 
the Cross of Christ alone, depends thy salvation 
and redemption, and in Him thou shouldest 
most firmly place thy every hope. 

Through Him also is given unto thee remis- 
sion of sins ; from Whom flows the rich stream 
of merits ; with Whom are the rewards of the 
righteous, every man being fecompensed ac- 
cording to his works. 

Study, therefore, from the example of Christ 
Crucified, to cast aside the burden of earthly 
things ; to withdraw thy heart from all that is 
hurtful to its inward liberty; to remove far 
from thee all the vain fancies of passion and 
the cares of the world ; and to be exercised in 
pure and naked truth. 

That thou mayest be able openly and simply 
to imitate the naked Jesus, by despising thyself 
and all transitory things ; to become thyself a 
powerful and fitting ascender of the Cross; 
bearing, through the burning love of the suffer- 
ing Redeemer, the insults and slanders of men. 

Learn to rejoice when thou art set at nought 
and degraded. Grieve that it should happen 
to thee through the base doings of others ; and 
pray the more, that all may be brought to a 
better mind. 



132 Meditations on the Life of Christ, 

Esteem thyself worthy of all contempt, and 
earnestly yearn for the salvation of those that 
oppose thee. 

Put no great confidence in man. Few are 
faithful in the hour of trial, and firm friends 
are rare indeed. 

Be not astonished thereat, nor let it grieve 
thee ; for Christ was deserted by His friends ; 
and of enemies had He a multitude. He, who 
was ever doing good, received in return the 
basest ingratitude. 

Trust in thy crucified Guide and thine excel- 
lent Governor. Abide with Him on the Cross 
in the day of tribulation, and thou shalt obtain 
favor and victory over all that oppress thee. 

With humility and devout penitence prepare 
a place for Him, and open a way for the grace 
of God; that thou mayest take a comforting 
delight in the pains and wounds of Jesus ; and 
taste how sweet it is to suffer reproach, and be 
of no reputation for the sake of His holy Name. 

Choose to retire within thyself, to cut off 
from thee all causes of distraction, to seek com- 
fort in the Cross, to resist sensuality, to beware 
of that which stands between thee and Christ, 
not to break out hastily into idle words and 
deeds, to be silent in matters that concern thee 
not, and carefully to preserve all inward holi- 
ness. 






Meditations on the Life of Christ. 133 

For it ill becomes one, dedicated to the Pas- 
sion, to be carried into wild laughter ; and it is 
against the life of a follower of Christ, to walk 
his daily course without a serious bearing. 

All these things are learnt in the Passion of 
the Crucified One, and blessed is he who has 
founded his daily doings thereon. For he shall 
advance spiritually far beyond others, his asso- 
ciates ; and he shall eat of the fruits of the tree 
of Life, and rejoice in them for ever. 

Look, O most holy Father, on the face of Thy 
Christ, hanging on the Cross for me. Moved 
by the glorious merits of Thine Only-begotten 
Son, pierced through with nails and smeared 
with purple blood, be merciful unto me, bound 
as I am with the many chains of my sins. 

He was wounded to cleanse me from my sins. 
He will make satisfaction to Thee for all. For 
me He will make answer to Thee. 

I present Him as my hostage ; I choose Him 
as my advocate ; I interpose Him as my medi- 
ator ; I leave Him as the defender of my cause. 

He will make good every loss. He, the 
blessed and sacred fruit of the Virgin's womb, 
will make full satisfaction for all offences com- 
mitted. 

Whom Thou, O most merciful Father, wilt 
hear with wondrous sweetness, and that readily, 
because of His very great love and singular 



134 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

reverence. And this for my eternal salvation, 
and that I may have hope and comfort uphold- 
ing me in this life — and necessary also after 
death. 

good and holy Jesus, Son of God Elect, 
Who, at the mandate of Thy Father, didst deign 
to take the substance of our flesh without spot 
of sin, and to offer the same on the Altar of 
the Cross for the redemption of the world ; have 
mercy on me Thy servant, pleading for pardon 
and grace. 

For Thy great goodness' sake, and for the in- 
finite merits of Thy Passion, remit unto me all 
my sins, recent or of old, whether wilfully or in 
ignorance committed against Thee. 

For Thy merits exceed the wickedness of all 
men; and greater far is the plenteousness of 
Thy propitiation, than all my iniquities, however 
frequently perpetrated. 

To Thee, therefore, under the protection of 
Thy Cross do I fly, putting my confidence in 
this Thy more abundant mercy ; to Thee do I 
sigh from the very depths of my heart, seeking 
the perfect remedy of my salvation. 

1 reverence the standard of Thy holy Cross. 
I kiss the very path thereof ; I implore comfort 
from Thy Passion. 

Hear me in my misery, receive Thy fugitive, 
heal the contrite of heart, justify the sinner. I 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 135 

will not leave Thee nor depart frorn Thee, until 
I am received into Thy favor. 

I beseech Thee, Lord Jesus, Thou Crucified 
One, cleanse my heart from all that is worldly ; 
draw me upwards by Thy arms to the height 
of the Cross. I will follow Thee whithersoever 
Thou leadest. 

Gladly with Thee am I poor and naked, in 
the world an exile and unknown; like unto 
Thee and near to Thee, raised above all that is 
earthly. 

Transfix my flesh with a dread of Thee, lest 
I yield to lust. Pierce my hands lest I grow 
listless through idleness. Fasten my feet that I 
may remain steadfast with firmness of purpose, 
and bravely for Thee bear sorrows and labors. 

Let Thy nails penetrate the very centre of 
my heart, and crucify me with a salutary 
wound ; that, moved by the deepest contrition, 
I may be wholly dissolved into tears, and lose 
myself under the influence of love. 

Quicken my grief, increase my devotion ; let 
nothing be sweet to me, nothing firmly fixed 
in my heart, save Jesus Christ and Him cruci- 
fied. 



136 Meditations on the Life of Christ 



CHAPTER XIX. 



ON THE WOUNDS OF JESUS, AND THE SHEDDING 
HIS PRECIOUS BLOOD. 



I BLESS and give Thee thanks, O Lord Jesu 
Christ, author of our salvation, most gra- 
cious bestower of pardon, and most patient en- 
durer of human depravity, for all the pains and 
every stripe and bloody wound bitterly inflicted 
on Thy most noble and tender Body — so that, 
from the sole of the foot to the crown of the 
head, there was no place free from pains and 
blows ; everywhere a swelling lash, or a doleful 
wound, or warm purple blood flowing over Thy 
whole Body. 

I laud and give Thee glory with my most de- 
vout and entire veneration, and with my inward 
mind prostrate before Thee, for that abundant 
effusion of Thy most precious Blood from Thy 
five sacred wounds, and from all the seams 
greater and lesser bleeding and dropping a life- 
giving stream ; more precious than any balsam, 
for the effectual curing of our sins. 

Ah ! most meek Jesus, how terribly wast 
Thou racked and pierced by the cruel ministers 
of death — yea, to such a degree, that all Thy 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 137 

bodily strength exhausted — -Thy very veins 
widely opened— not one small drop of blood 
remained within Thee. Whatever of the sacred 
stream Thou, living or dying, hadst hidden 
within, all went forth for the merciful benefit 
of our souls — the price of our salvation. 

the five precious wounds ! special pledges 
of perfect love, full of heavenly sweetness; 
whence the sinner takes good courage, and so, 
though his conscience accuses him, he despairs 
not. 

In these are the medicine of life, abundance 
of grace, fulness of pardon, boundless mercy, 
the gate of promised glory. 

Whatever blemish I contract, whatever sins 
of the flesh I commit, in these five fountains I 
wash myself clean ; I purify myself, and before 
God stand faultless. 

1 praise and honor Thee, Christ, Thou only 
and beloved Bridegroom of Thy Holy Church, 
for Thine inestimable love, through which Thou 
didst vouchsafe to redeem my soul in the Blood 
of Thy Testament from the bond of original 
transgression, to cleanse it from all sin, to en- 
rich and adorn it with the merits of Thy right- 
eousness ; that it might worthily be joined and 
united to Thee, made holy now through grace, 
and hereafter, in Thy bright kingdom, be with 
glory blessed. 



138 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

Here observe diligently, O faithful soul, be- 
hold with how great and noble a price He has 
redeemed thee, Who of His own free goodness 
created thee after His own image and simili- 
tude ! 

For thou, who, of thine own perverse will, 
hast wickedly cast thyself away, wast not re- 
deemed from the guilt of disobedience and the 
commission of many offences with corruptible 
things — silver and gold ; but with the precious 
Blood of Jesus Christ, the Lamb Immacu- 
late. 

Who not only on the Cross poured out His 
Blood for thy cleansing, but has also in the 
Cup left the same for thee to drink ; to receive 
it with faithful devotion in the Communion of 
the Sacrament ; whereby the daily sins of the 
penitent are thoroughly cleansed and blotted 
out. 

Alas ! of how great punishment will he be 
thought worthy, who shall count the Blood of 
the Covenant of the Son of God an unholy 
thing, and shall not pay due thanks for the 
wounds of Christ Crucified. 

Study then to show thy thankfulness to such 
a lover, to so bountiful a benefactor ; if it only 
be by a short prayer, or a devout meditation, at 
some moment of the day, or in the night season. 

Many of the faithful, inflamed by the fire of 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 139 

His love, have with a holy eagerness shed their 
blood for Him. 

More also, for the Cup of His Blood, have 
humbly offered the waters of a bitter contri- 
tion ; by a fellowship with His sufferings 
through the trying paths of penitence. 

Learn thou, also, from such examples to 
crucify thy flesh with the affections and lusts 
thereof, manfully to resist temptations, and to 
carry even unto death the yoke of a willing 
obedience ; and if not called to a martyrdom of 
blood, to offer up on the altar of thine heart to 
Christ, the Redeemer, the sacrifice of a contrite 
spirit ; to have well in mind the benefits that 
spring from the Cross ; and in the deep wounds 
of Jesus, as in the clefts of a rock, to seek a 
place of refuge from the enemy and the avenger. 

Succor me, O most gracious Jesus, in every 
necessity and hardship of the struggle. Stretch 
forth Thine hands over me, and with Thy right 
hand ever protect me. 

Grant me devotion in my heart, truth in my 
mouth, virtue in my deeds. Purge me from all 
corruption and vice ; heal my wounds by Thy 
precious Blood. 

Let nothing impure remain in me ; nothing 
defiled, nothing that can pollute ; but may Thy 
sacred Blood, so abundantly shed, cleanse me 
from all that is hurtful, and sanctify me wholly ; 



140 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

that, at the coming of the last Judgment, my 
whole spirit and soul, for whose deliverance 
Thou didst endure so many grievous punish- 
ments, and expend the wealth of an inexhausti- 
ble treasury, may be presented unto Thee, my 
Creator, pure and holy. 



CHAPTER XX. 

ON THE TENDER PLEADING OF JESUS FOR HIS 

ENEMIES. 

I BLESS and give Thee thanks, O Lord Jesu 
Christ, Thou fountain of piety and sweet- 
ness, for Thy most perfect love and most de- 
vout supplication for Thine enemies, and for 
those who crucified Thee. With hands stretched 
out on the Cross, Thou didst earnestly plead for 
them, securing their pardon and tenderly excus- 
ing their transgressions, thus saying, " Father, 
forgive them, for they know not what they 
do." 

O utterance full of tenderness and grace, 
fitted well to soften the hard heart of every sin- 
ner, and to bring him to repentance ! 

O most gentle Jesus, how willing art Thou to 
forgive, how ready to be appeased, how abun- 
dant in mercy ! 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 141 

How plenteous is Thy gentleness, O Lord, 
to all that love Thee ! Thou, who didst show 
Thyself so gracious to Thy furious enemies. 
For, when hanging on the lofty Cross, Thou 
wast not moved with indignation against them 
that crucified Thee, to avenge Thyself of Thy 
tormentors. 

Neither didst Thou pray that the earth might 
swallow up those workers of malice ; or that 
fire, coming down from heaven, might consume 
the wicked doers ; but didst shed over Thy most 
cruel enemies, as a refreshing dew, the sweetest 
words of love, " Father, forgive them." 

In this appeared Thy super-eminent charity, 
together with Thine ineffable meekness 5 which 
could neither be subdued, nor cease from sup- 
pliant prayer. 

They cried out, " Crucify ! Crucify ! " Thou, 
in response, sayest, " Father, forgive." They 
drive in the rough nails, and Thou excusest 
their infamous excesses, saying, "They know 
not what they do." How marvellous is Thy 
goodness, O Christ ! 

But, alas ! for the frowardness of the obsti- 
nate people, who are not moved to compunction 
by words so full of compassion. Therefore 
didst Thou grieve more for their blind iniquity 
than for any injury done to Thee — the commis- 
sion of such great wickedness pained Thee more 



142 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

than all the torture proceeding from the many 
wounds inflicted on Thee. 

They did all the evil in their power. Thou, 
in return , didst render them all possible good. 
Therefore, was it most loving and generous of 
Thee to plead for men so vile ; that they might 
be converted from impious ways, and confess 
that Thou, the very Son of God, wast come in 
the flesh. 

And thus are fulfilled the memorable words 
of Isaiah, which he, as Prophet, most truly fore- 
tells of Thee : "And He bare the sins of many, 
and made intercession for the transgressors," 
that they should not perish. 

Who now shall despair of pardon, seeing that 
they, who crucified the very Prince of pardon, 
found so great compassion ? 

Do not thou then, my soul, despair, though 
guilty of many offences. Although entangled 
in various passions and assailed with tempta- 
tions, thou hast still, O wretched one, a hope of 
life. The bowels of mercy are open, and the 
Cross, the nails, the spear, and all the blood- 
stained wounds of Jesus, are witnesses thereto. 

Enter, enter, the deep punctures of the Cruci- 
fied Redeemer; kiss the marks of His stripes; 
lay hold of the tree of lif e with devoted arms ; 
hold fast the most certain pledge of thy salva- 
tion — Jesus hanging on the Cross. 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 143 

Adore Him with a devout mind, commit thy- 
self to Him in all faith, to Him resign thyself 
wholly. For He, who was so gracious nnto His 
adversaries, will be more favorable far to thee, 
weeping over thine iniquities. 

Still, if thou wouldest be readily heard; if 
thou desirest to find favor in the sight of thy 
Redeemer, and to receive the fulness of His 
mercy; do thou also, with thy whole heart, 
freely forgive thy brother his trespasses. 

Forgive him in his few things, that God may 
pardon thee in many ; and pray for his salva- 
tion as earnestly as for thine own. So doing, 
thou shalt find favor ; by imitating Jesus thou 
shalt become a son indeed of the Most High ; 
for His command is, " Love thine enemies, pray 
for them that persecute thee." 

Moreover, if, when suffering unjustly, thou 
learnest to forgive all injuries, and pourest 
forth an earnest prayer for thy debtors, then 
layest thou up for thyse]f great boldness in the 
day of thy departure. 

This holy pleading for enemies has beatified 
the Apostles in glory, consecrated Martyrs, en- 
nobled Confessors, adorned Virgins, made all 
the Saints conformable to Christ, rendering 
them meet for life eternal. 

I pray Thee, most gracious Lord Jesus, who 
didst condescend, out of Thy tender compassion. 



144 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

to plead for Thine enemies ; that Thou would- 
est, with like fervent love, entreat the Father 
for me also ; that He would vouchsafe me full 
pardon of all my sins, and graciously absolve 
me from the punishments in which they so 
justly involve me. 

Grant me a good and sure confidence in Thy 
clemency, not to fall into despair on account of 
the magnitude of mine offences ; but in full faith 
to remember, that Thou earnest into this world 
to save sinners — that it was Thy will to suffer, 
to be crucified, to die for the ungodly. 

May, therefore, Thy devout supplication, 
poured forth on the Cross for Thine enemies, 
avail to the salvation of my soul ; and through 
it grant me a lively hope of pardon, that what, 
by my own merits I can by no means acquire, 
I may be counted worthy to obtain, through 
Thy most holy intercession. 

Give me grace boldly and safely to take ref- 
uge under the shadow of Thy wings, and, by 
the invincible standard of the holy Cross, keep 
me, I pray Thee, from all fear of the old enemy. 

Spread out widely over me, I beseech Thee, 
the branches of Thine arms; that, fleeing to 
Thy Cross, my poor sorrowful soul, whenever 
summoned from this world, may neither fear 
nor despair. 

And do Thou, O tender and compassionate 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 145 

Lord Jesus, receive me, a miserable sinner, call- 
ing to Thee ; trusting nothing to my own do- 
ings, but to Thy exceeding great mercy. 



CHAPTER XXI. 

ON THE STRIPPING OFF AND DIVIDING THE GAR- 
MENTS OF JESUS. 

I BLESS and give Thee thanks, O Lord Jesu 
Christ, Creator of all things, and Giver of 
all good, for the violent plundering and insult- 
ing division of Thy garments ; when, immedi- 
ately after the cruel fastening to the Cross, 
Thou wast roughly robbed of Thy clothing; 
and even so reduced to the last farthing and 
disinherited, that Thou couldest not retain even 
a remnant to cover Thee, 

Nor couldest Thou discern that a little linen 
was left Thee ; in which Thou couldest, when 
dead, be swathed and decently buried. 

For, if Thou wert not to be buried naked, it 
was necessary that fine linen should be bought 
at the charges of others, and out of charity pre- 
sented to Thee, as to one poor and destitute. 

O the too greedy coveting of the soldiers — 
soldiers, no, rather say an ignoble rabble ! 

O the shameless rapacity of the base guards ! 



146 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

who blushed not with sacrilegious greed to tear 
off the scanty property of Jesus ; gratifying their 
insatiable avarice, by taking as booty the hum- 
ble attire of the Crucified One. 

For, dividing the garments among them into 
four parts, they assigned his share to each sol- 
dier — the seamless coat alone remaining untorn. 
For it they cast lots, because to cut it up would 
be to destroy its texture. 

Alas, most wretched plunderers and cruel 
exactors, who had no pity on Jesus hanging on 
the Cross, poor and naked: they neither re- 
turned Him some small remnant, nor indeed 
did they leave the hem of His garment, as a 
comforting memorial to His sorrowing Mother. 

No, none of these things did they, for, moved 
by the devil, and fearless of a Judgment to come, 
they carried out their awful sacrilege. 

O my most dear Jesus, Thou neither sayest 
nor doest ought to resist these things, but en- 
durest all in silence. 

Surely in this loss of Thine, Thou showest 
clearly, how I should act when robbed of things 
necessary to me. For Thy will is, that I be 
more ready to endure worldly losses, than to 
demand debts legally due to me. 

O that the Supreme Creator of Heaven, very 
God and very man, should be reduced to such 
straits ! At His birth He had scarcely worth- 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 147 

less clothes for a covering ; now, when dying, 
He loses every garment. 

Then a narrow manger bore the tender limbs 
of His infancy; now, stripped of everything, 
He has not, in the whole world He created, 
where for a little He can rest His head, save on 
the Cross. 

For as poor and needy He came into this 
world, so also He wished to leave it naked and 
an outcast. When born He was wrapped 
tightly in swaddling clothes; dying He was 
pierced by nails and spear. 

Meditation on so much misery surely invites 
compassion : the exhibition of so much endur- 
ance calls for imitation. 

Be thou, therefore, only the more patient, 
when things necessary to thee are taken away ; 
yea, even when things longed for are denied 
thee. 

Learn to do with few things, and to be con- 
tent with that which is of little worth; and 
thou shalt be free from murmuring, very peace- 
ful in thy mind, and acceptable to Almighty 
God. 

Honored, O Jesus, be Thy seamless coat-gar- 
ment, never to be applied to any worldly use. 
Worthy is it to be set apart for the sacred ser- 
vice of Gi-od alone. For it was fitting to pre- 
serve it uninjured, on account of its singular 



148 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

reverence ; and that it might commend, through- 
out the whole world, the unity of the Holy 
Catholic Church. 

Which, though it be divided into regions, 
tongues, and dwellings ; although distinguished 
by various orders and ranks of life, yet the 
whole body of the Church lives, and is governed 
and sustained, under one Head — one chief Shep- 
herd ; holding one Faith, one Baptism, and one 
God in perfect Trinity; having one Bride- 
groom, Jesus Christ, Who rules in heaven ■ and 
from Whom it cannot be rent asunder by any 
assaults of temptation. 

Because Thou indeed, O Lord, hast given to 
the Bride, the Catholic Church, the word of 
truth, the light of knowledge, and the fervency 
of love, as an impregnable shield against all 
errors — to obtain thereby the never-fading 
crown of life eternal. 

O Jesu, the poorest and the richest King of 
kings. O Lord, most poor in being robbed of 
Thy garments and deprived of Thy friends ; O 
Lord, most rich in the fulness of gifts spiritual ; 
grant me, Thy poor servant, out of the abun- 
dance of Thy powers, that I may at least be 
perfectly endued with one virtue— never to be 
naked and ashamed before Thee : like unto him 
who was found in the festive house without a 
wedding garment ; and, for his neglect of order, 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 149 

was forthwith driven from the assembly of the 
Saints. 

Let my heart be rent asunder with a salutary 
compunction, when I call to mind the division 
of Thy clothing into f our parts. Then shall I 
be stirred, either by the fear of hell, or by the 
hope of future glory ; by sorrow for past sins, 
or by love of the grace already received by me. 

And, in token of Thy seamless coat, grant 
me also, for inward quiet's sake, to preserve the 
unity of brotherly love in the bond of peace ; 
to put from me all occasion of quarrel ; to avoid 
the noise and worry of the world ; and to ab- 
stain from all idle wandering and foolish con- 
versation. 

May my desire be to spend a poor and hidden 
life with Thee; never to be over-anxious for 
earthly pleasures, nor to cling to any property 
of my own; since Thou wert utterly without 
this world's goods. 

But the little which Thou seemedst to have 
for Thy simple use, even that Thou permittedst 
by the spoilers to be taken away and wasted; 
thereby affording to all who suffer wrongfully 
an example of patience, not to sorrow overmuch 
at the loss of their goods. 



150 Meditations on the Life of Christ 



CHAPTER XXII. 

ON THE REVILINGS OF THE JEWS, AND THE 
MIGHTY PERSEVERANCE OF JESUS ON THE 
CROSS. 

I BLESS and give Thee thanks, O Lord Jesu 
Christ, Thou glory and joy of the citizens 
of heaven, for enduring, whilst hanging on the 
Cross, all the reproaches and blasphemies tur- 
bulently cast against Thee by the perfidious 
Jews. 

For all were opposed to Thee, from the great- 
est to the least ; and, like unto mad dogs, they 
ran together to rend in pieces Thine innocency. 
Like dogs, they barked with their mouths; 
with their teeth they gnashed, like lions ; and 
like serpents, they hissed with their tongues. 

With their lips they cursed Thee ; with then- 
faces they derided Thee; they clapped with 
their hands, and leaped with their feet, and re- 
joiced in their hearts. In that they saw Thee 
fastened to the Cross, they would not that Thou 
shouldest die, without the vexation of these 
cruel wrongs. 

Then, they who passed by, like unto raving 
and drunken men, filled with the gall of bitter- 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 151 

ness and the venom of envy, wagged their mad 
heads, crying, "Ah, Thou that destroy est the 
temple of Grod and buildest it again in three 
days, save Thyself." 

The Chief Priests also with the Elders and 
Scribes, whose place it was to rule the people, 
and who onght to have restrained their evil 
doings, were of all the most grossly insulting. 

For, with proud eye and neck erect they stood 
opposite the Cross, boldly staring Thee in the 
face ; and, jesting one with another, vomited 
forth their vile blasphemies, "He saved others 
(they said), Himself He cannot save." 

For the divinely-wrought miracles, and the 
benefits of healing, compassionately dispensed 
to others — wonders of which all knew them to 
be envious — these they strove to evilly interpret 
and to disparage. 

Hence they urge a descent from the Cross, 
and falsely declare that they wish to believe — 
the very men who are proved so often to have 
opposed true believers. 

For when greater miracles were wrought by 
Thee they devised malicious slanders against 
Thee, rather than give faith to them. They 
therefore neither thought of believing, nor of 
seeking salvation. Their sole object was to 
irritate Thee with malicious words. 

At last, puffed up with daring insolence, they 



152 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

cast forth impious words against Thy Godhead. 
Calling Thee contemptuously the Son of God, 
they said, " He trusted in God that He would 
deliver Him ; let Him deliver Him now if He 
will have Him ; for He said, i I am the Son of 
God.'" 

O most cruel and hard-hearted persecutors of 
the Son of God, does it not content you to have 
committed the awful crime of crucifixion? 
Must ye needs be guilty of the still greater 
offence, that of blaspheming and deriding the 
Son of God? 

Alas ! alas ! what do ye ? Why do ye sharpen 
your venomous tongues against one that is holy 
and innocent f Wherein hath Christ offended ; 
or in what at any time injured you? 

Has He not done all things well ? He who 
made the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak, 
did He not enlighten your whole country with 
many glorious signs and sweet doctrines ? Yea, 
did He not even pray for His enemies ? 

What evil hath He merited for these things ? 
Wherefore do ye render evil for good— hatred 
for love ? Better far for you to weep for the 
expiation of so great a crime, than to laugh in 
the presence of the Crucified. But . grievous 
indeed is it, ye heed not, neither do ye care ! 

There is certainly in hardened hearts neither 
compassion nor contrition, nor remembrance of 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 153 

benefits received; no, fiendish fury, making 
ready sharper taunts and insults, ever inclines 
to baser deeds. For, when they could no longer 
persecute Thee with swords and staves, they 
began to pursue Thee with the sharper weapons 
of their tongues. 

And, in like manner also, the soldiers, execu- 
tioners, of all their malice, puffed up with pride 
of place and ignorant of divine Law, corrupted 
by the favor and encouragement of their lead- 
ers, drawing nearer mocked Thee ; and offering 
vinegar said, " If Thou be the King of the Jews, 
save Thyself." 

O foolish soldiers ! degenerate in deeds and 
morals ! Who has taught you thus to soldier, 
that ye should fight against God ? 

It is not the part of noble men to persecute 
the godly, to despoil the poor, to leave the 
spoiled naked, to divide clothing, to mock the 
Crucified, to offer to the God-man Christ, when 
dying, vinegar to drink, which is so abhorrent 
to all men. 

But still ye are not able to injure Christ ; for 
wisdom conquers malice, and the patience of 
Jesus is not wearied out by your insults. 

The thief also, placed on the left hand, and 
obstinate to the last in his iniauitv, reviling, 
said, " If Thou art the Christ, save Thyself and 
us." 



154 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

Alas wretched man ! he falls into an abyss 
of evils; and he, who onght to have sought 
pardon for his unholy doings, impiously in- 
sulted Thee, from whom cometh all forgiveness. 
Wherefore the unhappy wretch died despairing, 
and perished most wickedly. 

I praise and glorify Thee, O Blessed Jesus, 
for Thy invincible patience on the Cross Thou 
hadst assumed ; from which no reproaches, no 
enticing promises would induce Thee to come 
down. No, not for one short moment wouldest 
Thou leave that, which Thou hadst ascended of 
Thine own free will. 

For the place, which from love and pity Thou 
didst take, to remain and to die there, that 
Thou didst firmly hold unto the end ; and thus, 
the work so salutarily begun, it was Thine own 
desire to finish, by an end worthy of all praise. 

Thou, who didst teach others to persevere in 
a good work, didst Thyself on the Cross first 
make profession of obedience ; establishing by 
Thine own example, that obedience should be 
steadily observed by all who follow Thee. 

Draw near now to the tree of the Crucified, 
thou renouncer of the world, thou lover of the 
holy Cross, thou professed follower of Jesus. 

Be firm and constant in thy holy purpose. 
To stand steadfast in the faith, to live under 
obedience, and to persevere in discipline, is the 



Meditations on the Life of Christ 155 

work of Christ, and the consummation of thy 
salvation. 

Let no one, therefore, withdraw thee from 
thy condition as a child of God, from the path 
of perfection, from the study of devout conver- 
sation, from the vows professed by thee at holy 
Baptism. 

Remember the words of the Apostle, that 
" Christ became obedient for us unto death — 
even the death of the Cross." 

Whatever, therefore, the world may promise, 
however the flesh entice, and the devil sorely 
tempt ; let friends dissuade, and they of this 
life scoff ; turn not thou aside — pay no heed, 
utterly despise them all. 

Stand firm in Christ, look upwards ; lift up 
thine eyes to the Crucified, inviting thee more 
fully to His arms ; promising thee for thy brief 
labor rewards that never fail. 

" If (He says) thou shalt suffer with Me, thou 
shalt also reign with Me ; if thou be dead with 
Me, then shalt thou also together with Me be 
glorified." 

O Jesu Christ, Thou most devoted and most 
valiant "Wrestler, Thou most ardent lover and 
consecrator of the holy Cross, grant me, having 
devoted myself to Thee, to serve Thee with 
an unceasing resolution ; never, growing weary 
through labor, to relax from the fervor of my 



156 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

endeavors ; but always to press onward to the 
things that are before; and, with a steadfast 
mind, resist the temptations of the flesh and all 
assaults of the soul. 

May I exhibit all patience in adversity, not 
fearing the revilings of man, nor caring for his 
praises. Turning away the eyes of my mind 
from things present, may I seek a complete 
refuge in Thee, my only Saviour. May I not, 
from anything dear or anything displeasing to 
me, draw back from the embrace of Thy holy 
Cross ; but rather under its protection, as my 
standard and my device, may I, in a spirit of 
obedience, bring my life to a happy close. 
Amen. 

CHAPTER XXIII. 

ON THE WORDS SPOKEN TO THE THIEF ON THE 

CROSS. 

I BLESS and give Thee thanks, O Lord Jesu 
Christ, Thou supreme and sole comfort of 
sinners, for the infinite pity and superabundant 
mercy, which Thou didst deign to show to one 
hanging on a cross at Thy right hand — he who 
was once a most wicked thief, but now at length 
converted and deeply penitent. 

For, no sooner did he acknowledge his guilt 
and truly repent him of his misdeeds, than he 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 157 

received, from the sure promise of Thy mouth, 
remission of all his sins, and entrance into 
Paradise. 

For no repentance is too late or unavailing, 
where there is true contrition and entire con- 
version. O blessed and effectual penitence, by 
which the sinner is so soon deemed worthy, 
through Christ, to obtain the kingdom of 
heaven ! 

For this penitent thief, and now blessed Con- 
fessor, although he had long and grievously 
offended, still, when near his end and placed in 
the greatest straits, he came to a right mind. 
Earnestly sorrowing over his past misdoings, 
he humbly pleaded for pardon, and received 
abundant mercy. 

For he acknowledged his own guilt, when he 
confessed himself justly condemned to death. 
He had a zeal indeed for justice, when he re- 
proved his fellow-criminal close at hand for his 
wicked blasphemy. He showed a feeling of 
compassion, when he complained that Christ 
was crucified, though free from all crime — 
utterly without fault. He had a giant faith, who 
despaired not of the mercy of Christ, but prayed 
to be remembered in the Kingdom of Grod. 

Therefore, abounding in these heavenly gifts, 
to Thee, O Lord Jesu, as to the tender Shepherd 
of souls, and true Priest, and most faithful Con- 



158 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

fessor, fully acquainted with the whole course 
of his life, he in full confidence says, " O Lord, 
remember me when Thou comest into Thy king- 
dom." 

To whom Thou, most gracious Jesu, didst 
give this most sweet and most consoling answer, 
" Verily I say unto thee, this day shalt thou be 
with Me in Paradise." 

O truly gracious and most amiable promise, 
lovingly proceeding from the mouth of God ; 
but in the ear of the contrite sinner how sweetly 
sounding in his time of conflict — in such an 
hour most powerfully comforting the anxious 
and trembling heart ! 

O how confidently can he now die, to whom 
it was given to hear such a promise ! For he, 
whom the Lord Jesus has engaged to defend, 
in the evil day shall not be afraid. 

That which was denied to the prayer of Peter 
was granted to the dying robber. Peter desired 
to linger in the mount of contemplation, but 
his wish was not granted. And, before the 
hour of the Passion, he would fain have fol- 
lowed Jesus in all His troubles ; but it was said 
unto him, " Thou canst not follow Me now, but 
thou shalt follow Me afterwards." 

Peter was called among the first to the 
apostleship, but the robber is admitted into the 
Kingdom before him. 



Meditations on the Life of Christ 159 

O how wonderful are Thy works, O Lord ; 
Thy thoughts are very deep ! how unsearch- 
able are Thy judgments, how unspeakably gra- 
cious are the words of Thy mouth ! " An un- 
wise man doth not well consider, and a fool 
will not understand " these things. 

O what a happy hour did that robber expe- 
rience, who was in mercy permitted to suffer 
with Thee, to die with Thee, and with Thee to 
go into Thy Kingdom ! 

Concerning whom I find not any good thing 
he had ever before done in his life ; but this I 
know full well, when his end was at hand, he, 
through Christ, forthwith purged all his past 
misdeeds by his humble confession. 

Wherefore, the greatest mercy was it that so 
wicked a man obtained pardon, as soon as he 
had humbly poured forth his supplication to 
Thee, "Lord (he said), remember me when 
Thou comest into Thy Kingdom." 

And Thou, O Lord, merciful and gracious, 
didst from Thy Cross at once hear the heart- 
stricken sinner ; comforting his outpouring soul 
with the most loving answer, " Verily, I say 
unto thee, this day shalt thou be with Me in 
Paradise." 

O how comforting and refreshing to me to 
weigh with careful thought the death of this 
robber, and Thy most loving reply to him ! 



160 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

Not that I may sin with the greater security, or 
defer my repentance the longer ; but it teaches 
me that, should I be overtaken by any sudden 
infirmity, I need not despair, when I have be- 
fore me the speedy conversion of so wicked a 
man; and behold him, by Thy pitiful favor, 
eternally saved and restored to Paradise. 

For I should, indeed, be heavily oppressed 
because of my many sins, did I not know Thy 
mercies, O Lord — had I not heard of the exam- 
ples of penitents lovingly received by Thee. 
For Thou hast said by the Prophet, " I would 
not the death of a sinner, but rather that he 
should be converted and live ; " and also by 
Thine own mouth, that " God so loved the 
world, that He gave His Only-begotten Son, 
that whosoever believeth in Him should not 
perish, but have everlasting Life." And again, 
" I am not come to call the righteous, but sin- 
ners to repentance." 

Thou didst at once forgive all the sins of 
Mary Magdalene, when at Thy feet she wept 
abundantly. Thou didst again receive Peter 
into Thy favor, seeing that he poured forth 
tears of bitterness, after having thrice denied 
Thee. 

By the exercise of Thy mercy, Thou didst 
heal those that were taken with divers diseases ; 
and, by a larger gift of grace, Thou didst set 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 161 

free those who were bound by very grievous 
sins. This, how manifest was it with the adul- 
teress, whom Thou didst rescue from the hands 
of her accusers, that she should not be stoned 
to death. 

O most benign Jesus ! my merciful friend 
and my refuge, my defender, and my deliverer 
from the anger of mine enemies. Be Thou gra- 
cious unto me, and destroy not my soul with 
the ungodly, for the redemption of which Thou 
didst willingly endure the shame of the Cross. 

Remember Thy holy word that Thou spakest 
to the thief ; in which, also, Thou hast left to 
me a hope that cannot be moved. O Saviour 
of my life, when the hour of my death draweth 
nigh, say Thou to my soul, " To-day shalt thou 
be with Me in Paradise." 

What more joyous to be heard, what more 
sweet to the dying man, than to be gladdened 
by such a response, " To-day shalt thou be with 
Me in Paradise ? " Remember me, O Lord, in 
Thy Kingdom, and forsake me not in the awful 
moment of death. 

When my strength f aileth, and my voice is 
silent ; when my eyes begin to wax dim, and 
my hearing is dull ; then uphold me, O good 
Jesus, and send forth Thy holy Angels to en- 
courage me in the conflict ; that the rancorous 
enemy, craftily assailing at the last hour, may 



162 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

not prevail against me. That evil one, who 
even dared to seek something in Thee, which 
might be made his; but, finding nothing, he 
departed from Thee utterly confounded. 

So let them be confounded who seek to make 
a prey of my soul ; let them be turned backward 
and suddenly put to confusion. But let my 
soul be glad in Thee, O Lord, and be joyful 
in Thy salvation ; meditating on Thy gracious 
speech, the second Thou didst utter on the 
Cross, u Verily, I say unto thee, to-day shalt 
thou be with Me in Paradise." 

May this promise, which is sweeter to me 
because it was uttered by Thee on the Cross, be 
often in my mouth, but oftener in my heart ! 

For words, uttered by the mouth of my cruci- 
fied Lord, possess a special sweetness, a fuller 
efficacy ; therefore they should receive the most 
earnest consideration — the very closest medita- 
tion. 

May I so live — may I so study to serve my 
Lord, that, in the hour of my departure from 
the body, I may be found in Christ, meet to 
hear from heaven those words most sweet, 
" This day shalt thou be with Me in Paradise." 

that Thou may est say to Thy servant those 
equally cheering words, "Well done, thou good 
servant and faithful in a little, enter thou into 
the joy of thy Lord." 



Meditations on the Life of Christ 163 

For then nothing will be more precious, noth- 
ing more delightful, than to have led a good 
life ; and served Thee, O Jesus, faithfully even 
unto death. 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

ON THE REMARKABLE SUPERSCRIPTION OF THE 
NAME OF JESUS, PLACED OVER HIS HEAD. 

I BLESS and give Thee thanks, Lord Jesu 
Christ, Prince of all power and King of 
the universe, for the distinguished Title of Thy 
sacred and blessed Name, openly set up over 
the crown of Thy head. 

Which Title, in the three most widely-known 
languages of the world, viz., Hebrew, Greek, 
and Latin, was clearly written by Pilate the 
Judge, in form and words as follows : — " Jesus 
of Nazareth, the King of the Jews." 

truly distinguished Title, not devised of 
human skill, but rather by divine appointment ; 
foreseen and fore-ordained from all eternity ! 

Therefore Pilate neither could, nor ought 
he to write otherwise than inspired by Thee. 
Whence also, in the excellent writings of the 
Prophets, expressed in their own special terms, 
are found the words of this Title, with their 
mystic meaning. 



164 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

What, therefore, the Sacred Scripture had 
long before predicted ; what also common rumor 
had spread abroad in praise of Thy holy Name ; 
this, the gentile Governor, under divine guid- 
ance, inscribed on a small board, to the perpet- 
ual memory of Christ Crucified, " Jesus of Naz- 
areth, the King of the Jews." 

When, therefore, many of the Jews had read 
this Title, the Chief Priests., burning with envy, 
could not endure that, by such an inscription, 
the glory of Thy Name should be proclaimed. 
With all their might they strove to degrade that 
glory ; nay, with a still greater folly, they fain 
would destroy Thy life and Thy Name together. 

Therefore was it they remonstrated with Pi- 
late, the Judge, touching so distinguished a 
Title, saying, "Write not, The King of the 
Jews ; but that He said, I am the King of the 
Jews." For the Jews were afraid that they 
themselves should be put to shame; that the 
base act of cruelty should be charged to them 
— that they had killed the very king of their 
own nation. 

And that such charge might not be more 
widely spread abroad, they sought to have the 
Title changed ; so that Jesus might not appear 
to have been crucified through their malice, but 
rather for the crime of seeking to be ruler — 
daring to call Himself king, whereas in the 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 165 

world no royal dignity had ever been assumed 
by Him. 

most wicked Jews ! It is not as ye pretend, 
for ye are in every respect guilty. Ye are the 
chief murderers of the Son of God. Neither 
have ye any excuse ; although, with much cun- 
ning, ye seek to cloak this most serious crime. 

For, in the presence of Pilate, " ye denied the 
Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer 
to be granted unto you.' 7 And now truly ye 
have come, that ye may mar the truth of the 
Title, and so yourselves appear faultless. 

But Pilate was, in the death of our Lord, far 
more innocent than ye, and in writing the Su- 
perscription more truthful — yes, and in answer- 
ing your appeal of envy more faithful when he 
said, "What I have written, I have written." 

If you wish to read, read ; but, if you are not 
satisfied, you will not for one moment turn me 
from a decision which I have once declared. 
" What I have written, I have written." I have 
not set forth this Title at your suggestion, 
neither will I change it through your remon- 
strance. As I have appointed, so shall it re- 
main. 

God inspired it, not man. Therefore I con- 
firm it, and declare it true. Nor shall any one 
persuade me to have it falsified; but, to all 
languages and to all peoples, I proclaim His 



166 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

dignity, and charge that it be published, u Jesus 
of Nazareth, the King of the Jews." 

noble-minded governor ! Thou hast well 
written, and rightly hast thou answered them. 
I commend thee, for having formed so beauti- 
ful and so sacred a Title concerning Jesus of 
Nazareth, and for having so boldly refuted the 
Jews. 

But in this I commend thee not : that thou 
didst consent to the death of Christ ; for, in so 
doing, thou didst commit a great crime indeed. 

And now, O devout disciple of Christ, learn 
wisely to consider, thoughtfully to read over, 
and reverently to utter, the words of this sacred 
inscription. For reading this Title, " Jesus of 
Nazareth, the King of the Jews," availeth much, 
when fear of the enemy sets in. Yes, study 
prayerfully those words, and thou shalt find 
marked support in the hour of terror and per- 
plexity. 

For, having invoked the saving Name of 
Jesus, then the power of Christ and a firm faith 
in God will not suffer thee to be in jeopardy. 

" Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews." 
The sweetness of this most fitting Title no 
words can fully express, no mind can duly con- 
template. 

Only four words are there, yet they invite the 
whole world to venerate Christ's divine Name. 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 167 

Come now, all ye princes of the world, all ye 
tribes and peoples, hear, and read, and say, 
"Hail, Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews, 
who suffered for the salvation of all men." 

O Jesus of Nazareth, bright flower of the Vir- 
gin Mary, O glorious Son of David, the Only- 
begotten of the Most High Father, write Thy 
sweet and excellent Name firinly and beauti- 
fully on the table of my heart ; together with 
the sacred and noble Title of Thy Passion, con- 
taining as it does the cause of Thy death ; that 
I may diligently look thereon, and frequently 
read it, to the praise of Thy venerable Name. 

May that Title be a cordial comfort to my 
heart in my day of distress, a very present help 
when temptations assail me. 

May the evil spirit flee from me, may the lust 
of concupiscence die within me, and all the 
world be as bitterness to me, when I think or 
read of "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the 
Jews." 

For nothing is sweeter than Jesus, noth- 
ing more wholesome, nothing more efficacious. 
Nothing brighter than the Nazarene, nothing 
purer, nothing more holy. Nothing worthier 
than the King of the Jews, nothing mightier, 
nothing more exalted. 

Therefore, no enemy can withstand me, no 
plague infect me, no calamity overwhelm me, 



168 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

when humbly I call on Thee, O Jesus, or picture 
Thee stretched on Thy Cross ; or with my heart 
and my lips dwell on this Title, u Jesus of Naz- 
areth, the King of the Jews." 

O Jesu, supremely amiable, Thou art my King 
and my God, delightful and far above all praise. 
Lovely in the manger, more lovely on the Cross, 
most lovely on the throne of Thy kingdom. 

For though Thou wast crucified through the 
weakness of the flesh, yet Thou now livest by 
the power of God, sitting at the right hand of 
the Father, exalted above every creature for 
ever. Amen. 



CHAPTER XXV. 

ON THE COMPASSION OF THY SORROWING 
MOTHER, AND THE MUTUAL COMMENDING OF 
THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY AND ST. JOHN. 

I BLESS and give Thee thanks, O Lord Jesu 
Christ, Thou Comforter of all that mourn, 
for the sorrowful look, with which Thou didst 
tenderly regard Thy most beloved Mother, as she 
stood by the Cross, worn out by heavy grief. 

How great that sorrow was, Thou, the most 
searching discerner of all her heart, alone knew- 
est best; for Thou on earth hadst nothing 
dearer than Thy Virgin Mother, and nothing 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 169 

loved she more than Thee, O God, her Son; 
Whom she knew verity to be born of herself, 
yet Lord of all things — yea, her own Creator. 

Therefore, seeing Thee, Whom she so tenderly 
loved, hanging on the Cross, lost to self she 
dwelt in Thee. As if taken entirety ont of her- 
self, she also was, as it were, suspended above, 
crucified in spirit to Thee ; although, with body 
still on earth, she stood clinging to the Cross 
weeping. 

I praise and glorify Thee for Thy exceeding 
great compassion, with which Thou didst then 
filially condole with Thy grief-worn Mother, 
who, in truth, regarded all Thy sufferings as 
her own. She bewailed Thy several wounds 
as if inflicted on herself. She endured new tor- 
tures as often as, with maternal eyes, she beheld 
the Blood flowing from Thy Body; or when 
she heard Thy voice speaking to herself from 
the Cross. 

I praise and give Thee honor for the very 
tender address, with which, at the last, Thou 
didst in few words console Thy desolate Mother ; 
commending her to Thy much-beloved disciple 
John, as to a most faithful supporter ; associat- 
ing a virgin with one of virgin purity, by the 
indissoluble bond of love, saying, " Woman, be- 
hold thy son." And then to the disciple, " Be- 
hold thy mother." 



170 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

O happy union and pleasing commendation, 
formed and consecrated by virginal innocence ! 
For in those words Thou didst show a feeling 
of holy care for the honor of Thy Mother, in 
affording her the solace of a chaste disciple. 
In a certain way, Thou didst substitute for Thy- 
self another son ; one suitable to her pure man- 
ners, and well fitted to provide her duly with 
the necessaries of life. 

For thus it behoved Thy filial providence to 
do ; that Thy holy Mother, the Blessed Virgin, 
might not want a faithful minister; lest she, 
who was at once to be deprived of Thy most 
delightf ul presence, might seem to be left lonely 
and helpless in the world, and a very stranger 
among the Jews. 

This holy arrangement and most excellent 
commendation, made by thy Son, let it now, O 
Mary, thou loving Mother of God, be pleasing 
indeed to thee. Receive with grateful f eelings 
this disciple, whom Thy Son Jesus has chosen 
for thee. 

This is John the Apostle, elect, and beloved 
more than the other disciples. In manners 
agreeable; kind in word; bashful in counte- 
nance; modest in deportment; temperate in 
food; homely in apparel; fit to administer; 
ready to obey. 

This is the most beloved disciple, related to 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 171 

thee by f amily ; of good report j pure in mind ; 
chaste in body- acceptable to God; loved by 
all ; in all things worthy of thy companionship, 
O Mother of God. 

I know, indeed, that what has pleased thy 
Son has always been pleasing to thee, and does 
please thee ; that what He has arranged to be 
done, that thou most desirest ; for, in all His 
doings, He sought not His own will, but the 
glory of His Father. 

And, therefore, it was, I doubt not, pleasing 
to thee that, when He was about to depart, He 
bequeathed John to thee, to occupy His place. 

Receive now, holy John, the desirable treas- 
ure intrusted to thee. Receive the blessed Vir- 
gin, the revered Mother of Jesus, thy beloved 
aunt, sister of thy mother. Till now the Vir- 
gin Mary was called thy aunt by blood alliance ; 
henceforth she shall, as by special grace com- 
mitted to thy care, be called by a more sacred 
order, yea, by divine authority, thy mother. 

And thou, also, who wast formerly, according 
to the flesh, called the son of Zebedee, brother 
of James the Great, and kinsman of the Lord 
our Saviour, and wast afterwards made a dis- 
ciple of Jesus, shalt now be called by a new 
name, the adopted son of Mary, henceforth to 
minister to her with filial love. 

Carry out, therefore, what Christ com- 



172 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

manded ; fulfil the order of holy commendation, 
and thou shalt be acceptable to all, the honored 
of the whole world. 

The most blessed John did as Christ on the 
Cross charged him. For, "from that hour the 
disciple took her to his own home," where he 
watched over her, and diligently ministered to 
her. His life was devoted to her in all obedi- 
ence, as if she were his own mother — most ten- 
derly he loved her. 

Rejoice and be glad, O blessed John, for the 
trust committed to thee. What Christ held 
most dear on earth, He, in full confidence, in- 
trusted to thee. Greatly enriched He thee, 
when He bequeathed to thee the blessed Mary. 

Christ gave to St. Peter the keys of the king- 
dom of heaven, but thee He verily constituted 
chamberlain of His own Mother. 

It was said aforetime to St. Joseph by the 
Angel, " Fear not to take unto thee Mary, thy 
wif e ; " but now the Lord of Angels saith unto 
thee, " Behold thy mother." 

This great privilege was the reward of thine 
abundant virtues, viz., utter contempt of the 
world; devotion to Jesus; sweetness of man- 
ner; spotless integrity; calmness of mind; 
liberty of soul ; purity of conscience ; probity 
of life. 

Take, therefore, the Mother of Christ under 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 173 

thy care, and an abundance of grace shall be 
thine. The Lord of Life shall open to thee di- 
vine mysteries, and teach thee the hidden life ; 
thou shalt perceive things wonderful, and learn 
" the great things of God." 

Dwelling with the Blessed Mary thou wilt be 
very chaste, and very pure ; thou wilt increase 
in holiness, and in thy dedication to all that is 
godly. 

Her very presence is purity, her discourse 
prudence, her actions heavenly, her reading 
Jesus, her meditation Christ, her contemplation 
God. 

Stand now by the Cross, watch by the side 
of the Virgin, support her in thine arms when 
fainting, raise her when sinking, comfort her 
in her tears. Weep thou with her that weeps, 
mourn with her that mourns, go where she 
goes, stay where she stays, and abide where she 
dwells. Leave not Mary in her grief ; hold on 
thy compassion to the end. 

Then prepare thee for the due interment of 
thy d3dng Jesus. Accompany the Mother to 
the place of burial ; bring her back to the city 
and conduct her to her house. Be thou unto 
her as a ministering Angel, though in this case 
comforting one more worthy far than thyself. 

For Christ, we know, in His Agony was com- 
forted by an Angel. He needed it not, yet His 



174 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

will was that an inferior should assist Him. 
He did not repel the messenger of consolation. 
Now, therefore, I humbly beseech Thee, O 
Jesus, grant grace to me, a sinner, that I may 
be fervent in my love of Thee; and having 
well in my memory Thy new Commandment, 
that we love one another, may I be ever found 
a ready helper, to comfort and uphold the sor- 
rowful and afflicted. 



CHAPTER XXVI. 

ON THE LOUD CRY OF JESUS ON THE CROSS: 
ELI, ELI, LAMA SABACHTHANI. 

I BLESS and give Thee thanks, O Lord Jesu 
Christ, most loving Son of love Paternal, 
for Thy great and solitary abandonment on the 
Cross ; when, in Thy dire need, Thou wast for- 
saken by God the Father, and all the heavenly 
host, and also by all creatures upon earth ; as 
if Thou wert an alien and an outcast, no very 
Son of God, of no power, no strength. Thy 
sorrow-stricken Mother alone continued by 
Thee, with the disciple commended to her, and 
a few weak women ; but that Mother, alas ! 
could scarcely say a single word to Thee, so 
oppressed was she by anxiety and grief. 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 175 

I praise and glorify Thee for that loud cry, 
when, in the presence of many hearers, Thou 
didst break forth into that mournful exclama- 
tion, saying, "My God! My God! why hast 
Thou forsaken Me f " 

By which words, indeed, Thou didst distinctly 
declare the magnitude of Thy sufferings, and 
the withdrawal of all comfort ; what Thou didst 
endure for the salvation of men; by whom, 
notwithstanding, Thou wast deemed of no repu- 
tation — yea, they dealt with Thee as the basest 
of malefactors, utterly unworthy to live. 

Consider very diligently, O my soul, the pres- 
ent words of Jesus, uttered for thy special in- 
struction. 

Behold, wonderful to relate, how the Lord of 
the universe, Who has need of nothing, is re- 
duced to such a state of misery, that He must 
pour forth His wants into His Father's ears ; 
how He, who does all things with the Father, 
by the Father is forsaken ; He, who upholds all 
things without being wearied, declares that He 
Himself is heavy laden. 

How He, who is wont to console the sorrow- 
ful and weak, confesses Himself an exile and 
in distress; how He, the arbiter of all vows, 
the ever-ready listener to the cry of the poor r 
utters the words of lowly inquiry, saying, " My 
God ! My God ! why hast Thou forsaken Me ? " 



176 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

From the beginning* of Christ's Passion until 
now, never was heard so lamentable a cry. 

Acknowledge, therefore, Thine own voice, O 
Christ, pleading for me on Thy Cross, in Thy 
suffering flesh. For Thy state of desertion is 
my consolation ; Thy complaint, my support; 
Thy weakness, my strength ; Thy punishment, 
the satisfaction for all my sins and offences. 

Thou art the heavenly Physician, Who, by a 
great exercise of tender compassion, didst im- 
merse Thyself in innumerable sorrows and suf- 
ferings. 

And, therefore, with the weak Thou art 
weak; with the sorrowful Thou lamentest; 
with the sinner Thou art sad ; with the sufferer 
of violence Thou complainest ; and, crying out 
in behalf of Thy weak ones, Thou pleadest 
earnestlv for their protection. 

Wherefore that cry is the voice of the flesh 
and of sentiment, not of murmuring or despair. 
The flesh indeed, which knew not the taint of 
any sin, feels the pain. 

A body most innocent suffers the severest 
torture, while the soul enjoys the most perfect 
happiness ; from the presence of Deity there is 
no diminution of pain, but a power of wonder- 
ful endurance is manifested, that the redemp- 
tion of man may be accomplished. 

What believer, hearing these things, will not 



Meditations on the Life of Christ, 177 

proffer sympathy ? Who so hard as not to be 
deeply moved by the words of this cry? In 
good truth, the elements, generally so senseless, 
showed mighty signs of compassion. 

From the sixth hour until the ninth the sun 
held back his rays of light from the earth, re- 
fusing to shine on the unworthy, shuddering 
at the injuries done to his Creator; grieving 
that the Author of Life should suffer humilia- 
tion and torture, and proclaiming that he him- 
self could not behold His death. 

Therefore, while the sun is mourning and the 
earth trembling with fear, do thou also, O ra- 
tional man, take up the mourning, listen to the 
cry of Jesus, why He cries, and what His 
words. 

Behold, in His every tribulation and strait 
the Lord Jesus passed through meek and pa- 
tient ; nothing proceeded out of His mouth but 
sweetness and pity. 

To His Father above He directs His prayers ; 
no other name than that of God does He men- 
tion ; to His notice only does He bring His des- 
olate condition. No solace does He seek from 
His Mother, no help does He ask from His 
friends. 

Jesus, therefore, teaches thee how, when in 
great distress, thou shouldest imitate Him. Art 
thou weak in body ? Is thy mind heavy laden 



178 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

and weary f Art thou despised by others, and 
hast thou lost the world's good word, through 
poverty or any other unfitness? Be not sad 
nor indignant, but forthwith let this be thy re- 
course — make this thy place of refreshing ; and 
with Jesus despised on the Cross of men, and 
for a while forsaken of the Father, take part in 
His colloquy, meditating on the words He ut- 
tered, " My God ! My God ! why hast Thou 
forsaken Me ? " 

Study, then, in thy weakness to show thyself 
gentle • and murmur not, if sometimes thou art 
neglected by thy servants, or rarely visited by 
thy brethren. 

Remember the exile Jesus on the Cross, and 
cease to complain of some light trouble. Desire 
His presence with thee. Seek from Him alone 
thy comfort. He will soothe thee, however 
desolate thou mayest be. 

Hold of little worth the world's solace. Be 
not over-taken-up with the love of friends ; but 
rather lift up thine eyes to thy crucified Re- 
deemer, meditate on His sacred wounds. Stand 
by His Cross, and hear Jesus, with a loud voice, 
crying to the Father. 

Therefore, laying aside all earthly matters, 
lift up thy mind to the heavenly country. Hold 
to God as thy Father, Jesus as thy Brother, the 
Angels as thy friends, and all the Saints as thy 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 179 

kinsfolk. Thou art of noble and high family, 
not in the descent of the flesh, but in the liberty 
of the Spirit. 

Entrenched within such defences, thou may- 
est, with sure and certain hope, await the day 
of final visitation, trusting in the tender mercy 
of the most gracious Saviour. 

I beseech Thee, high and adorable Father of 
Jesus Christ, my Lord, have respect to the 
prayer of Thy servant ; which I this day, by the 
hand of Thy beloved Son, hanging on the Cross, 
humbly present to Thee. 

Grant me pardon for all my past sins, and 
hold not far back from me the gift of heavenly 
grace. Suffer me not to be endangered by 
grievous temptations, nor to be disturbed by 
the sharp goadings of the passions. 

Examine me, Lord, and prove me, as Thou 
knowest to be best for me. But keep my soul, 
and with the temptation make such a way to 
escape, that I may be able to bear it. What 
the crafty enemy hath prepared for the destruc- 
tion of my soul, that turn Thou into the means 
of my salvation ; and so produce in me a more 
abundant increase of grace. 

By how much the more I am pressed down 
by troubles, and the less able to put any confi- 
dence in men, be Thou so much the more 
powerfully and nearly present with me. For 



180 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

Thou, in my gravest necessity, remainest to me 
a most faithful Friend. 

If I must be proved and deprived of all com- 
fort for a season, then grant this to me, that I 
may suffer patiently, and f aithf ully commit my 
whole burden to Thee; and also, that I may 
have well down in my heart the remembrance 
of this, the desolate hour of Jesus, Thy dearly 
beloved and most acceptable Son ; Who, when 
no friend was near to help, in His most trying 
season, was mindful of Thee alone. 



CHAPTER XXVII. 

ON THE THIRST OF JESUS ON THE CROSS, AND 
ON HIS BITTER CUP. 

I BLESS and give Thee thanks, Lord Jesu 
Christ, Thou fountain of living water and 
stream of healing wisdom, for Thy violent thirst 
upon the Cross. Then, Thy sacred and precious 
Blood being shed, and all the natural moistures, 
through the extreme tortures of the body, being 
exhausted, Thou wert corporally thirsty with 
an oppressively trying drought — but even more 
by far didst Thou thirst with the ardent desire 
for our salvation — yea, as a very pauper and 
mendicant didst Thou ask for drink, saying, " I 
thirst." 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 181 

But to this small request no one took heed, 
no succor came • not even to offer a cup of cold 
water to Thee, the Creator of all waters. 

Some, indeed, among the bystanders, on 
hearing this, instead of taking pity on Thee, 
became only the more cruel. For, in order to 
satisfy the deadly hatred of their envenomed 
hearts, they forthwith filled a sponge with vine- 
gar mingled with gall, and offered to Thy sweet 
mouth the bitter draught — unfit for the very 
dogs to drink. 

I praise and honor Thee for Thy most gra- 
cious endurance, in accepting and tasting this 
most acrid draught, which Thou didst, by way 
of punishment, take in expiation of the unlaw- 
ful pleasure of our first parents. That as the 
tasting of the forbidden fruit was the cause 
of death, so the tasting by Thee of this bitter 
cup might become to us the medicine of sal- 
vation. 

But woe to thee, thou godless Jew, a race 
stiff-necked and grievously wicked! How 
couldest thou be brought to such iniquity, as 
to release Barabbas and crucify Christ ? How 
couldest thou be moved to such madness, as to 
offer vinegar when drink was asked ? 

Offer that to the High Priest or to the Euler 
of the people, and see if either will drink it. 
What hath Christ done unto thee, or wherein 



182 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

hath Jesus of Nazareth troubled thee ? An- 
swer me, I pray thee. 

Did not God rain down manna on thee from 
heaven, did He not bring forth water from the 
hard rock, that thou mightest have abundance 
to eat and to drink ? 

And lo ! for the sweet manna thou dost offer 
Him wine mingled with myrrh; and for the 
many streams of water thou dost not indeed so 
much as hold out a single drop to the thirsting 
Christ. 

Yet, surely, if Christ desired, He could turn 
all thy water into bitterness; and, when thy 
bread and water failed, thou wouldest soon per- 
ish through excessive drought — fit punishment 
for thy refusal to show compassion. 

Moreover, if Christ had wished to have a 
pleasant draught, the holy Angels w r ould most 
assuredly have cheerfully and speedily minis- 
tered to Him refreshing dew from heaven; 
sweeter far than earth could give ; just as they 
formerly ministered unto Him, when thrice He 
had been tempted of the devil. 

But He would not avenge Himself, or show 
any sign of His power. On the contrary, He 
exhibited the sign of patience and long suffer- 
ing, that He might uphold all professors of 
poverty. 

And do thou, therefore, disciple of Jesus, 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 183 

take from this bitter mixture a remedy against 
all excess of appetite. For, if thou desirest to 
feast with Christ in the Kingdom of His Father, 
let not your heart be set on costly dishes, or on 
cups of precious wine ; eschew soft couches and 
all gay apparel. Know thou that such things 
are contrary to the very pure life of Jesus, and 
to His most sad Passion. 

But, if thou hast gone to excess, either by 
eating too much, or by a too dainty use of deli- 
cacies, correct thy f ailing by daily exercises and 
nightly watchings ; often meditating with sor- 
row on the bitter Cup of Christ. 

O Jesus, Thou heavenly manna and most 
sweet nectar, Who, when in dire thirst on the 
Cross, wast offered vinegar and gall to drink, 
and couldest not obtain one drop of water to 
refresh Thyself withal ; grant that, when seated 
at my daily repast, I may earnestly call to mind 
this Thy most bitter draught, and so not have 
my thoughts eagerly intent upon food for my 
body, but rather be earnestly occupied with 
holy meditation. 

May I learn, in Thy fear, to take only what 
is needed for my support, and then devoutly to 
return thanks to Thee for the blessings be- 
stowed. Let me not be dissatisfied with my 
diet, if little in quantity, or common in quality ; 
yea, may I deem myself unworthy to feed on 



184 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

the alms of the poor ; may I dread to be sus- 
tained at the cost of other men's labors. 

Grant that I may hunger after the meat that 
perisheth not, but endureth unto everlasting 
life. May I thirst for the fountain of Life 
eternal, and from the banquet of the heavenly 
table at times obtain a crumb of living bread, 
together with if it be but a little draught of 
inward savor. Thus shall I experimentally 
taste how sweet is Thy Spirit, O Lord, freely 
poured out on the children of grace. 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 

ON THE WORD OF CONSUMMATION PRONOUNCED 
BY THE MOUTH OF JESUS. 

OLORD JBSU CHRIST, Revealer of mys- 
teries and Fulfiller of the Law and the 
Prophets, I bless and give Thee thanks for 
Thy perfect accomplishment of the Father's 
will, in this brief and comforting cry, "It is 
finished " — words justly uttered by Thee, im- 
mediately after Thou hadst received the vine- 
gar, as the closing of Thy whole life. 

As if Thou hadst openly said : — " Now is ful- 
filled whatsoever the old Law foretold concern- 
ing Me; all that the sacrificial rites and the 



Meditations on tlie Life of Christ 185 

holy ceremonial worship prefigured. Now have 
truly come to pass the predictions of the holy 
Prophets, and the long hoped-for desires of the 
Fathers of old. Now is everything that per- 
taineth to the redemption of man fully com- 
pleted. 

" Whatsoever in the Holy Scriptures has been 
promised from heaven, all, in a necessary and 
becoming manner as regards place and time, 
has openly come to pass and been brought to a 
fitting end ; and the few things that remain 
will, undoubtedly, in due season, be accom- 
plished. 

"I have fulfilled the commandment of My 
Father Who sent Me into the world; I have 
finished the work which He gave Me to do. 

" I have already before healed the sick, and 
shown clearly the signs of My Godhead ; and, 
as My Father has taught Me, so have I declared 
to the world. Never have I kept back any prof- 
itable doctrine from the ears of the faithful. 

u For thirty-three years have I now sojourned 
upon earth, and held sweet converse with men. 
Often have I been wearied by journeys, griev- 
ously slandered by adversaries, betrayed by a 
disciple, deserted by friends, seized by enemies, 
beaten by officials, condemned by Judges, in- 
sulted by Chief Priests, and here, being inno- 
cent, hanged on the Cross. 



186 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

u Wliat more ought I to do that I have not 
done? What more ought I to suffer that I 
have not suffered ? If there be ought wanting, 
either as to doing or suffering, that I am ready 
to supply before My Death ; yea, by My Death 
every debt will I pay to the full. Therefore 
this day I declare all to be finished. 

" Nor do I suffer the term of My life to be 
further prolonged, but, in My love, I lay down 
My life for My sheep. In the very hour, in 
which I know that the first man incurred ever- 
lasting death, by tasting the forbidden tree, I 
freely, for the offences of sinners, undergo the 
death of the flesh — a death I have not merited 
by any transgression of Mine. 

"For the things concerning Me shall soon 
have an end. Henceforth I will not talk much 
in the world, because I shall not be long here ? 
for I hasten to the Father. All labor shall now 
come to an end, sorrow and sighing shall now 
flee away, strife shall cease. There shall be no 
more trouble — yea, death itself shall also be de- 
stroyed. 

" Nothing further remains to be done, save to 
commend My Spirit to My Father, and to leave 
My Body in the earth until the third day. Of 
this I feel assured, that loving men, mindful of 
former friendship, will take that Body away 
with them, and bury it in a new tomb. 



Meditations on the Life of Christ 187 

" Therefore, to show the complete fulfilment 
of all righteousness according to the Law, and 
to secure the institution of the new Law, I 
make public, to all who hear Me, this last brief 
sentence, and say, It is finished." 

O Lord Jesus Christ, Thou most illustrious 
and most faithful Master, as Thou sayest and 
testifiest, so in truth it is ; in Thy words can 
no fault be found. For all that Thou utterest 
Thou confirmest by holy deeds, and showest 
Thy doings to be in accordance with the sure 
word of prophecy. Now, verily, is the time 
that Thou shouldest rest from all Thy work on 
earth. 

And, indeed, Thou Lord with the Father 
didst, in the beginning, create all things, and 
now, together with the Father, Thou hast re- 
created all things. In six days Thou didst com- 
plete the creation of the world ; and now, in the 
sixth age of the world, Thou hast completed the 
redemption of man. 

On the sixth day, Thou didst make man from 
the dust of the earth; and on the sixth day 
Thou didst redeem him with Thy Blood. On 
the sixth day Adam was tempted and deceived 
by Eve ; on the sixth day Thou wast announced 
by an Angel and conceived in the Virgin. On 
the sixth day man sinned and lost Paradise ; on 
the sixth day Thou didst suffer for our sins, 



188 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

and the thief by Thy mercy recovered Para- 
dise. 

Therefore, in order that new things may cor- 
respond with old, and the last acts with the 
first, Thy sixth cry on the cross was fittingly, 
"It is finished." 

Go now, O Lord Jesus, whithersoever Thou 
wilt, and return to Thy Father in heaven, "be- 
cause Thou hast finished the great work of 
mercy on earth. Go before Thy servants, pre- 
pare for them the way to follow Thee quickly. 
Open the gate of the kingdom of heaven, which 
the rashness of our first parent had long closed. 

Go, visit the holy Fathers in the place of de- 
parted Spirits. Give light to them that sit in 
darkness ; break the power of the devil ; loosen 
the bonds of the captives; help the weary; 
comfort the sorrowful ; redeem those that are 
anxiously looking for Thee; lead forth Thy 
captives from their prison-house below. 

And when Thou hast led them forth, and 
placed them with the Angels in the high man- 
sions of heaven ; then, O Lord, remember me 
in Thy kingdom ; that Thou mayest lead me 
forth from this bond-house, from this earthly 
habitation of the flesh, from this my perilous 
state, from this world of uncertainty and mis- 
ery. 

Imitate then Christ in this sentence, thou 



Meditations on the Life of Christ 189 

follower of Christ ; cease not to labor so long 
as thou hast time and strength. VvTiat thou 
hast begun, finish; so that, when the end of 
thy life is near at hand, thou also mayest say 
with the loving Jesus, " It is finished." 

Wherefore, walk in the way of true virtue, 
follow righteousness, strive against sin even 
unto death, that thou mayest lay hold on eter- 
nal Life, and be able to say, with the Apostle 
Paul, " I have fought a good fight, I have fin- 
ished my course, I have kept the faith." 

Thou wilt have but light labor, thou wilt 
after all suffer but for a short season; soon 
thine hour shall come; and then, having fin- 
ished life in a little time, it will be as the com- 
pletion of a long period. 

O Jesu Christ, brightest and most perfect ex- 
ample of all virtues, and the endless reward of 
good works ; Thou ruler of heaven and earth, 
guide me, that, in all I do, I may please Thee ; 
purify and enlighten the thoughts of my heart. 

Teach me, to the praise and glory of Thy 
blessed Name, to begin all my works humbly, 
to continue them diligently, and to end them 
happily. 

Grant that I may not become lukewarm be- 
fore the time appointed of the Father; but, 
looking for Life eternal, may I night and day 
labor in Thy holy vineyard, and earnestly strive 



190 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

in the school of heavenly doing, until my spirit 
shall pass from me. 

Then, at the last, by Thy mercy, after many 
struggles and long laborings, 1 may be able, in 
the hour of my departure, joyfully to say with 
Thee, " It is finished." 

Render to me, O good Jesus, reward for the 
labor, rest for the fatigue, gladness for the sor- 
row, a crown for the struggle, glory for the 
shame, blessedness for the misery I have in this 
world endured. For Thou art, and hast ever 
been, the final cause of all my works, in this 
place of my pilgrimage. 

Be Thou my recompense in the Kingdom of 
Heaven; for there is none that I desire like 
unto Thee for the reward of my labors, Who 
art the blessedness and glory of all Thy Saints. 



CHAPTER XXIX. 

ON THE SOLEMN DEATH AND EXPIRING OF 
JESUS, AND HIS LAST WORDS FROM THE 
CROSS. 

I BLESS and give Thee thanks, Lord Jesu 
Christ, Thou Life of the living, Thou Hope 
of the dying, and the Salvation of all that put 
their trust in Thee, for Thy departure from this 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 191 

world for a season, and Thy happy return to 
the Father, through the torture of a dreadful 
death, and for the notable martyrdom on the 
Cross. 

I praise and glorify Thee for Thy pallid ap- 
pearance, when surrendering Thyself to death, 
and for Thy blessed Agony in Thy last mo- 
ments; for *the complete loss of all Thy 
strength, and for the penal breaking of Thy 
loving heart. Thou art the Quickener of all 
spirits, yet Thou f earedst not to undergo the 
sentence of death, that Thou mightest open to 
us the way to Thy heavenly kingdom. 

I praise and give Thee glory for sending on 
high a loud cry from the Cross, a cry far beyond 
the power and manner of men ; for the sad di- 
vorce and bitter separation of Thy most noble 
soul from Thy most loving body ; 

For the most devout commendation of Thy 
Spirit into the hands of the Father; for the 
lowly bending of Thy sacred thorn-crowned 
head towards Thy breast, so worthy of honor 
— sign, indeed, of filial obedience steadily ac- 
complished ; 

For Thy loving yielding up of Thy most holy 
Life for the salvation of the world, and for Thy 
last utterance in this mortal lif e ; when Thou 
didst break forth into these words of pious sup- 
plication, and didst recite this most devout ver- 



192 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

side : " Father, into Thy hands I commend My 
Spirit." Having so spoken. Thou didst forth- 
with give up the Ghost, and finish Thine earthly 
pilgrimage in a sweet sleep. 

O how precious and victorious a death was 
that, which slew our death, and restored to us 
eternal Life ! 

May therefore Thy Death, O Christ, ever re- 
main fixed in my memory ; and in Thy blessed 
Death may I be mindful also of mine own; 
lest, when the end of my life, all so uncertain, 
shall come upon me, I be found trembling in 
despair. 

This is the hour which, from Thy conception, 
Thou hadst ever before Thee ; towards which 
Thou didst hasten as a traveller to his father- 
land, as a wise workman to the end he had in 
view. 

From the highest heavens, indeed, Thy going 
forth was into the world, from the world even 
to the grave ; and from the grave to the throne 
supreme didst Thou retrace Thy steps. 

Now, O my soul, sorrow deeply over the most 
bitter Death of thy most loving Lord God. 
Consider how Jesus died, and what the signs at 
His departure. 

Behold how the just man dies, and no man 
layeth it to heart; no one reflects what and 
how great He was, save His poor Mother, who ? 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 193 

with a few of His acquaintances, stood by the 
Cross weeping. 

For, indeed, she sees her most beloved Son 
hanging before her, His Body naked and bleed- 
ing; she marks the pallor of death setting in; 
she watches Him in His Agony ; she hears His 
dying cry. 

Surely no marvel is it, if, on beholding such 
a sight, her heart was heavily oppressed ; if she 
grew exceeding pale, and her very soul failed 
her touching her Saviour, now in her very pres- 
ence crucified and dead. 

And do thou, therefore, with Mary r draw 
near to the Cross, and with sorrow meditate on 
the Death of Jesus. Behold, the innocent Jesus 
dies ; in nakedness He is exiled ; never was 
man more miserable than He. No one more 
beloved of God, no one more despised of men, 
than Jesus of Nazareth, crucified by the Jews ! 

Mark the return rendered Him by the world, 
for all His glorious works and wonders. He is 
put to death as the vilest of robbers, He dies 
the poorest of all men. No bed of down is His, 
He lies on the rough wood of the Cross. No 
home, no roof has He: nought but the open 
field, a spot foul and despised. No private 
chamber, His is the public scaffold. No dying 
with His disciples around Him, He hangs be- 
tween two thieves. No comfort of a Mother's 



194 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

arms has He, His sole embrace the arms of the 
lofty Cross. 

Beneath Him He had not a morsel of straw, 
nor over Him one single covering of the lightest 
linen. No pillow was there for His head, in its 
stead a crown of sharp thorns. No shoes were 
on His feet, no protection on His hands, but in 
the place thereof were iron nails, piercing flesh 
and bones. 

In His so great necessity, not even a single 
servant had He ; His only neighbor an evil-doer 
— a base robber, who loaded Him with heavy 
reproaches. No comforter had He, for nearly 
all who once had sat at meat with Him, and 
they who had been His followers, He found 
deserters. 

He could move neither hand nor foot, nor 
could He change His position, nor turn Him- 
self from one side to another, and so find some 
little relief to His bodily suffering. 

He stands firmly fixed, rigidly extended, in- 
tensely tortured, straitened on every side, neg- 
lected, helpless, unconsoled, as one dead at the 
very heart. 

His tongue alone was left at liberty to speak, 
that He might pray for His enemies ; and de- 
liver to us, from the pulpit of the Cross, seven 
most salutary utterances against the seven 
deadly sins. But, verily, His very tongue was 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 195 

not free from trouble, for, when He thirsted, it 
was worried by gall and vinegar. 

Thus, from the sole of the foot even to the 
crown of the head, Jesus is wholly sunk in the 
waters of affliction; and at the ninth hour, 
crying with a loud voice, gives up the ghost. 

O what, and how great is He, Who, thus cry- 
ing aloud, dies 5 at Whose departure heaven 
and earth mourn ; from Whose presence death 
flees away ! 

At Whose voice the dead rise again j before 
Whose face the gates of death are broken; 
Whose presence the evil one cannot endure; 
Whose power none can resist ; before Whom, 
they who are beneath tremble, they who are 
above adore. 

Whom Angels serve, and to Whom Archan- 
gels are obedient; by Whose brightness the 
resting place of the Fathers is lit up, the whole 
body of the Saints is rejoiced, bonds are loos- 
ened, and many spoils of souls set free. 

" Truly this was the Son of God," says the 
Centurion. For, when this blessed man saw 
that Jesus so cried out and gave up the ghost, 
he perceived that the God Invisible dwelt in 
the human nature; and forthwith confessed 
that He, who was mocked of the Jews and 
crucified, was truly the Son of God. 

O, ye Jews, your hearts are as adamant, for 



196 Meditations on the Life of Christ, 

ye are neither softened by the punishment of 
the sufferer, nor converted by the unheard-of 
wonders at His Death. 

Hearken then ye deaf, mark well ye blind, 
who ask that a sign be shown you from 
heaven. 

Behold, signs are wrought in heaven above 
and on the earth beneath ; the elements of this 
world are Christ's ministers, and in the hour of 
His departure all things are moved with com- 
passion; while ye, wretched creatures, laugh 
Him to scorn. 

For the sun, refusing to look down on His 
Death, at midday becomes dark ■ and the earth 
quakes with fear, unwilling to bear quietly the 
injury done to God. 

The rocks are mightily torn asunder, and 
with loud noises mourn for their Creator. The 
veil of the temple is rent ; that, by the taking 
away of the old veil, the sacred mysteries of 
Christ may be made manifest. For He is our 
true Sacrifice, that taketh away the sins of the 
world. He is the spotless Lamb of God, offered 
on the Cross at the Paschal season. 

He is the true Priest consecrated by God, 
Who offered up Himself a Sacrifice to the 
Father, for a sweet-smelling savor. He is the 
High Priest, who, once every year, enters alone 
into the Holy of Holies, that He may plead, not 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 197 

only for the Jewish nation, but for the salva- 
tion of all who believe in Him. 

This He truly did by dying once for the hu- 
man race in the end of the world. The graves 
also were opened, that the future Resurrection 
of Christ with many Saints might be shown 
near at hand. 

How many who had come together to the 
sight, on beholding these miracles, severely con- 
science-stricken, smote upon their breasts and 
returned. 

Return thou also, O my soul, into thine inner 
self, and mourn with them that mourn ; weep 
thou with them that weep for Christ, lest thou 
be found harder than the rocks, and more faith- 
less than the Jews. 

Blessed are the tears poured forth for the 
love of Christ crucified; for it is godly and 
sweet indeed to weep for so sweet a Lord. 

This is the great comfort to a loving soul, 
deeply to grieve in compassion for the Beloved. 

Jesus Himself often wept over the miseries 
of man, and, when tears failed, out of His abun- 
dant compassion, He poured forth His Blood. 

Since then for thee the Lord Jesus Christ 
died on the Cross ; let, therefore, this world 
henceforth be wholly dead to thee. 

Learn, in the death of Jesus, to bear in mind 
thine own death, and strive earnestly to pre- 



198 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

pare thyself for it. For thou knowest not at 
what time the Lord cometh j thou knowest not 
when thy Maker will take thee away. 

Ever be on the watch, and pray that thou 
mayest find a peaceful hour. So act and so 
speak, as if this very day were thy last. 

Learn before death to die, that, when death 
does come to thee, it be not thy terror, but the 
gate of life. Christ is dead and the Prophets 
are dead, and thou wilt quickly follow in the 
way of the Fathers. 

Still there is a great hope, a very great com- 
fort in the words of Jesus, when He says, "He 
that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet 
shall he live." 

And again, " He that heareth My word, and 
believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting 
Life." 

Therefore, make Jesus thy Friend whilst thou 
livest ; that, when thou diest, thou mayest find 
Him propitious. 

Cast from thee whatsoever hinders thee from 
the love of Jesus, whatsoever keepeth thee back 
from the Kingdom of Heaven. 

Beware of everything that can defile the pur- 
ity of conscience ; forsake whatever may take 
away peace of mind. 

Keep thyself apart from the world, alone 
with God, intimate with Christ. 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 199 

Walk with Jesus in the liberty of the Spirit. 
Take no care for the things of this life. 

Make ready for Him the house of thy mind, 
show Him a large upper room furnished ; that 
with His disciples He may keep the mystic 
Passover with thee before thou diest. 

And when thou beginnest to wax feeble, and 
perceivest the time of thy call from this world 
to be at hand, then send forth thy humble 
prayers to Jesus, and say with Mary and Mar- 
tha, " Lord ! behold ! he whom Thou lovest is 
sick." 

For the gracious and merciful Jesus, Who 
wept at the grave of Lazarus and raised him 
from the dead, is able to take care of thee un- 
der every trial ; and, when thou art dead to 
this world, to raise thee up again at the last 
day. 

Think then earnestly and specially on the 
Lord's Supper, how the lowly Jesus washed the 
feet of the disciples ; and, before His decease, 
gave to them the comforting mystery of His 
sacred Body. 

And do thou, therefore, humbly ask the Lord 
Jesus to wash thee from the pollution of all thy 
sins ; and that, by the spiritual food of His 
most precious Body and Blood thou mayest be 
surely strengthened before thy departure. 

When this thou hast taken, occupy thyself in 



200 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

thanksgiving, and devoutly meditate on the 
sweet words of His command. 

And then, with eyes raised heavenward, de- 
sire, from the depths of thy soul, union with 
Christ. 

After this, turn thee to the Passion of Christ, 
and draw therefrom the very essence of com- 
fort. 

Enter, also, with Jesus and His disciples, into 
the garden by the Mount of Olives 5 that is, go 
apart from thy friends, that thou may est be 
more thoroughly alone with God in secret, and 
pray to thy heavenly Father for a happy end- 
ing of thine earthly sojourn. 
[ Bend thy knees with Jesus, fall on thy face 
to the earth, and, resigning thyself into the 
hands of God, say these most perfect words of 
Christ: " Father, not my will, but Thine be 
done. 77 For He knows perfectly whether to 
live or die is best for thee. 

And also ask the brethren who come to thee, 
and all the faithful, to watch with thee in 
prayer, lest the wiles of the enemy disquiet 
thee. 

In any time of distress flee to Jesus, and fol- 
low Him as He bears His Cross, even to Mount 
Calvary. There firmly stand ; there desire to 
end thy life, and there draw thy last breath. 

Place the Passion and Death, of Jesus between 



Meditations on the Life of Christ 201 

thee and the Judgment to come, and look stead- 
fastly on the Crucified. 

Against the terrors of the devil call on the 
name of Jesus, and lift up the standard of the 
Holy Cross. 

If he lay to your charge past misdeeds and 
many sins, do thou display the infinite merits 
of Christ. 

Remember, also, the seven utterances of 
Jesus, which He spake on the Cross for thy 
instruction. 

For, no sooner had He ascended the Cross, 
than He prayed for His enemies, and pardoned 
those that sinned against Him; that thou in 
thine heart shouldest forgive all thy debtors, 
and again plead thyself for forgiveness. 

Secondly, to the penitent thief He promised 
the joys of Paradise, that thou mightest not 
despair on account of the greatness of thine 
offences ; but mightest also with confidence ask 
Him, to remember thee in the Kingdom of 
Heaven. 

Thirdly, He commended His most blessed 
Mother, the Virgin, to St. John ; that, when 
thou art in the agony of death, thou shouldest 
earnestly commend thyself to the prayers of all 
that are near and dear to thee — vea, of all the 
faithful in Christ. 

Fourthly, Jesus showed Himself deserted 



202 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

during His punishments ; that, when thou art 
weighed down with sorrows, thou shouldest not 
be impatient, if thou art not immediately re- 
lieved, but in all things submit thyself to the 
ordinance of God. 

Fifthly, He saith "I thirst," that thou should- 
est ardently thirst after God, the Living Foun- 
tain ; and shouldest desire to die and be with 
Christ. For this is far better than to sojourn 
longer in the world, and be still involved in 
sundry perils. 

Sixthly, He uttered the word of consumma- 
tion, " It is finished ! " that, when thou perceiv- 
est the end of thy days to be at hand, thou 
shouldest praise God for every good work 
done in thee ; and shouldest pray that, what- 
ever thou hast failed to do, it may, by the mercy 
of Christ, be looked on as finished. 

Seventhly, He, with a strong cry, delivered 
His soul into the hands of the Father; that 
thou also, when about to leave this world, 
shouldest not fail to read and frequently repeat 
the words of blessed commendation of Himself ; 
than which, in thy last moments, thou wilt find 
nothing more sweet to be remembered. 

O most loving Jesus, Brightness of the Fa- 
ther's glory, and Sun of righteousness, who 
didst deign for me, Thine unworthy servant, to 
suffer the vilest form of sorrow ; and on Calvary 



Meditations on the Life of Christ 203 

didst, for the Redemption of the world, deliver 
up Thy soul, and commend it to Thy Father in 
prayer, grant that I may bear about continually 
in my breast a sorrow and a love for Thy most 
bitter Death. 

May I, by mortifying all my evil affections, 
daily exercise myself in dying with Thee ; so 
that, when the end of my life approaches, I 
may by Thy merits be deemed worthy to breathe 
in the light of Thy mercies, and to enter peace- 
fully with Thee into the joys of Paradise. 

Be Thou with me when I am dying; sup- 
port me in the conflict ; come to me longing 
for Thee. Defend me from the enemy, rescue 
me from misery, comfort me in my mourning, 
strengthen me when trembling, revive me when 
drooping, receive me at my death. 

May Thy last words on the Cross be my last 
words in this life ; and, when I can no longer 
speak, hear my last craving: " Father, into 
Thy hands I commend my spirit; for Thou 
hast redeemed me, Lord, Thou Grod of truth. 
Amen." 



204 Meditations on the Life of Christ 



CHAPTER XXX. 

ON THE VICTORIOUS DEATH OF JESUS OUR RE* 
DEEMER. 

OLORD JESU CHRIST, Thou spotless mir- 
ror of the Divine Majesty, I bless and give 
Thee thanks for Thy miserable and pallid ap- 
pearance, caused by death's assault on Thee; 
when, on Thy Soul leaving the Body, certain 
signs of mortality appeared in Thee. 

Alas ! alas ! O Jesu, Thou of all the fairest ! 
The beauty of Thy most pleasant countenance 
has perished, through the foulness of those 
who spat upon Thee with unclean lips ; and, in 
the struggle of death, the flower of Thy most 
acceptable youth has faded. 

Oh ! most gracious God ! all these things 
came upon Thee for the cleansing of my sins. 
Thou didst freely submit to be disfigured in 
body, that I might be pure in soul ; and that I 
might be delivered from everlasting death, 
Thou didst, for a season, taste a most cruel 
Death. 

O Death, what hast thou done ? Wherefore 
wast thou not afraid to lay thine hand on the 
Lord's Anointed ? What right hadst thou over 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 205 

Him ? Or what fault couldest thou find in the 
Son of God? 

Thou hast fallen upon Him, thou bast slain 
Him ; but thou hast not assaulted Him with- 
out injury to thyself. For, in destroying life 
thou hast destroyed thyself ; and having been 
pierced through with the hook of Christ's Divin- 
ity, thou hast lost the sovereignty of thy cruel 
dominion ; and, through Christ's soul descend- 
ing to the realms below, thou hast been com- 
pelled to give up all the Elect that died in 
Adam, so long held captive by the prince of 
darkness. 

For so had it been foretold by the Prophet 
of old : " O death, I will be thy death ; O grave, 
I will be thy destruction." Whence also in the 
Church, with loud voices, is fitly sung : " Life 
dies upon the tree, the grave is deprived of its 
sting." Therefore, in Thy death, O Christ, the 
hope of life is restored to me ; and, the prince 
of death being vanquished, a crown of joy is 
granted me. 

Truly great and manifold favors flowed from 
Thee, when, for our life, Thou didst die on the 
Cross. 

For original guilt is blotted out, our own 
iniquity is forgiven, pardon is extended, pun- 
ishment is softened, vengeance is stayed, every 
debt is paid ; to none who weep is mercy denied, 



206 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

for inexhaustible is the merit of Thy Passion. 
Truly Thou hast not died in vain ! 

For whom then hath He died? Since the 
Angels needed it not, for they remained stead- 
fast in the truth. The devil never can rise 
again, for straightway after his fall he became 
hardened. 

For man, therefore, hast Thou died; who, 
being beguiled by the devil, became ruined and 
subject to death. And fitting was it Thy love 
should raise up him, whom the malice of an 
alien had cast down. 

vast compassion ! O ineffable depth of 
Divine counsel ! O adorable and ever to be re- 
membered mystery, by which man, through the 
Cross, obtains salvation ; through the offence, 
comes to the kingdom ; through suffering, en- 
ters into glory ; and through death, is brought 
back to Life eternal ! 

Thy most sacred Passion, therefore, O Lord, 
is a medicine for all wounds. Thy Cross is 
the ruin of all enemies, and the renowned de- 
fence of the faithful. Thy Death is death to 
all vices, and the source of all virtues. 

1 will, therefore, rejoice in the benefit and 
fruit of Thy Passion. I will take comfort 
from my redemption. Yet will I grieve, as I 
behold Thy love, and for Thy most bitter 
Death. 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 207 

For it is an act of piety to rejoice with Thee, 
because Thou hast overcome death; equally 
pious is it to sorrow with Thee, since Thou hast 
been a man of sorrows indeed for me. 

Come now, faithful soul, behold the sad 
and pallid form of the Crucified Saviour. Study 
every member of the dead Jesus, and, in the 
abundance of Thy compassion, let thine eyes 
run down with tears : for, when thou gazest 
upon Jesus hanging on the Cross, profitably 
art thou occupied ; very holy is the exercise in 
which thou art engaged. 

As a cluster of camphor in the vineyards of 
Engaddi, so is the image of the Crucified in 
the heart of a just man. If, therefore, thou 
hast an eye of pity, if thou hast within thee any 
human kindness, look upwards, and gaze in 
meditation on the Crucified God, dead on the 
Cross for thee. 

Behold the Cross, on which hangs thy salva- 
tion, the redemption of the godly, the scorn of 
the infidel ; His head, covered with thorns, is 
bent low towards His sacred breast; nor is 
there now any sign of life in Him. 

The eyes of Him, from Whom no secret can 
be hid, now see nothing. The ears of Him, 
Who knoweth all things before they come to 
pass, now hear nothing. He, Who gives to 
flowers their sweet odor, now cannot smell. He, 



208 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

Who giveth life and food to all things living, 
can now no longer taste. 

He, Who opens the mouth of the dumb, 
moves not His lips. He, Who teacheth man 
knowledge, utters not a word. The tongue, 
which always spoke fitly, now lies firmly fixed. 
The face, once brighter than the sun, is now 
veiled by a deadly pallor. The cheeks, comely 
as the turtle-dove's, have lost the perfection of 
beauty. 

The hands, which stretched forth the- heav- 
ens, are pierced with sharp nails. The knees, 
so often bent in prayer, hang senseless and 
naked. The legs, which like pillars of marble 
bore the weight of the whole body, are devoid 
of strength and vigor. The feet, often wearied 
with preaching the gospel, are, as if in the 
pillory fixed, iron-bound to the wood of the 
Cross. 

All His members seem full of pain, covered 
with wounds, besmeared with blood. Yet, that 
the Holy Scriptures might be fulfilled, His 
bones were not broken, as were the bones of the 
malefactors. For He is the true Lamb prefig- 
ured in the Law, whose bones are commanded 
to be kept whole. 

Such is my Beloved, and this is my Friend, 
ye daughters of Jerusalem. And this is the 
end of the Death of Him, for which, were I to 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 209 

offer ten thousand lives, it would be no worthy- 
repayment of His love. 

O most sweet Jesus, Redeemer of my soul, 
would that I could die on the Cross with Thee ! 
May there be for me a like happy season with 
Thee on my departure from the body ! 

Grant me, I beseech Thee with all my heart, 
so to live in this frail bodv, and so to direct all 
my doings and my desires according to Thy 
good pleasure, that I may be able to finish my 
course in a state of grace ; and, after sundry 
perils and temptations, to obtain through Thee, 
O Christ, the prize of everlasting blessedness. 



CHAPTER XXXI. 

ON THE CRUEL PIERCING OF THE HOLY SIDE OP 
JESUS CHRIST. 

OLORD JESU CHRIST, Thou never-failing 
Fountain of love and grace, I bless and 
give Thee thanks for the cruel piercing of Thy 
most sacred side, after Thy life had departed. 

For then, O Holiest of the Holy, Thou wast 
so violently smitten and pierced in the right 
side by one of the soldiers, that the point of the 
iron, penetrating inwardly, reached Thy ten- 
der heart. From the wide wound came forth a 



210 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

most saving fountain of water and blood, that, 
sprinkled therewith, the whole world might be 
saved. 

O sacred and wondrous flow of the precious 
Blood of Christ, pouring forth, for the redemp- 
tion of man, from His right side, while He was 
sleeping on the Cross ! 

O bright and grateful flow of blessed water, 
issuing from the inmost parts of the Saviour, 
to cleanse us from all our sins ! 

Moses, the servant of the Lord, struck of old 
the rock in the wilderness, so that the waters 
gushed out abundantly ; and the people and 
their cattle drank from that stream with joy, 
and all murmuring ceased. 

But Longinus, a soldier strong and rough, 
spear in hand, with great force struck the rock, 
when he opened the right side of Jesus, and 
forthwith there came out blood and water. 
From thence our chaste Mother, the Church, 
has drawn the Sacraments of salvation. 

For, as Eve is called the Mother of all living, 
and was formed of the rib of Adam, her hus- 
band; so also the Holy Church Militant is 
called the Mother of all the faithful, and is 
formed anew out of the side of Christ, her 
Spouse. 

O great and precious wound of my Lord! 
to be tenderly loved above all wounds, deeply 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 211 

pierced and widely opened, that all the faithful 
may enter; marvellous in its flowing, abun- 
dantly blessed ; last formed, but chief in note. 

Whosoever drinketh from the sacred and di- 
vine fountain of this wound, or once taketh a 
draught of love therefrom, he shall forget all 
his evils, he shall be no longer inflamed by the 
heat of worldly and carnal desires ; but shall 
ardently burn with the unspeakable love of 
things eternal, and be filled with the sweetness 
of the Holy Spirit — yea, it shall be in him a 
well of living water, springing up into everlast- 
ing Life. 

Enter, O my soul, enter into the right side of 
thy crucified Lord. Enter, by this renowned 
wound, into the most loving heart of Jesus, out 
of love transpierced ; that, in the cleft of the 
rock, thou mayest find a resting place from the 
tempest of the world. 

Draw near, O man, to this heart, all so deep, 
hidden, and secret ; to the heart of Grod, Who 
openeth His door to thee. Gome in, thou blessed 
of the Lord, wherefore standest thou without ? 
The vein of life is open to thee — the way of sal- 
vation — the heavenly ark, from whence flow 
sweet spices abundantly. 

Behold a place of refuge from the face of 
thine enemy, the tempter — a place of propitia- 
tion from the wrath of the judgment to come. 



212 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

This is the ever-flowing fountain of unction 
and grace, which never ceases to provide par- 
don for sinners, who seek to draw near with a 
hearty repentance. 

This is the source of the sacred river, going 
forth from the midst of Paradise, to water the 
face of the earth : to quench the thirst of the 
parched mind, to wash away sins, to keep under 
all carnal desires, and stay the ragings of an- 
ger. Take thou, therefore, the cup of love from 
this fountain of the Saviour. 

Draw from the side of Jesus the sweet solaces 
of life ; that thou mayest now live, not in thy- 
self, but in Him Who was wounded for thee. 

Give thy heart to Him, Who opened His heart 
to thee. Enter, by the door of the hallowed 
wound, into the inward recesses of the Re- 
deemer. 

He bids thee enter, and pleads with thee to 
abide with Him. His desire is that thou should- 
est have one heart with Him. " My son (He 
says), give Me thine heart." Nothing more does 
God require of thee ; if thou givest this, thou 
presentest an offering most acceptable to Him. 

Give it therefore to Jesus, not to another ; 
give it to Christ, not to the world. Yea, give 
thine heart to eternal wisdom, not to a vain 
philosophy. 

For this, therefore, it was, He caused His 



Meditations on the Life of Christ 213 

side to be opened so widely, and to be so deeply 
pierced ; that a way of approach to the heart 
of thy Beloved might be clear to thee; that 
thou mightest be able to penetrate the secret 
places of the Son of God, and to be joined to 
Him in true union of heart ; that thou might- 
est direct all thy affections towards Him ; and, 
with singleness of heart, do all thy works to 
His honor; that thy whole study may be to 
please Him alone, and to cling to Him with a 
pure mind and with all thy strength. 

For, where wilt thou be able to rest more 
securely, dwell more safely, and sleep more 
sweetly, than in the wounds of Jesus Christ, 
Who was crucified for thee ? 

Where wilt thou possibly find greater wis- 
dom, and receive a better guidance of life, than 
in the depths of Christ, Who suffered for thee ; 
from under Whose breast pours forth for thee 
a fountain of living water ? 

Where, when lukewarm, wilt thou be so ef- 
fectually restored to the glow of love ; where 
so quickly rescued from all turmoil ; where so 
perfectly brought to inward recollection ; as in 
the heart of Jesus, which, out of love of thee, 
received the piercing spear ? 

Nothing so inflames, draws, and penetrates 
the heart of man, as the love of the Crucified 
Redeemer. Hence, indeed, a Saint of old (Ig- 



214 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

natius) was wont to say, " My love was cruci- 
fied." To whom I affectionately reply, "My 
love too was wounded and pierced, that to me 
may be given a ready entrance to His loving 
heart." 

Hasten then with all becoming eagerness, ap- 
ply thyself to the sacred side of Jesus, that thou 
mayest be sprinkled with His Blood and Water. 

And, as far as can be, draw out thine own 
heart, and place it near the heart of Jesus ; that 
He may guard, rule, and have possession of it ; 
that it may be no more hurried hither and 
thither, and so defiled. 

Lay open thine heart to Him ; commit thy- 
self boldly to Him ; before Him place thine 
every wish and fear • be of one heart and one 
soul in God ; ever to think and feel with Him 
in all things, according to His highest good 
pleasure. 

Then, in great peace, thou shalt not be easily 
disturbed, nor oppressively grieved ; when thou 
hast given thine heart entirely to Jesus, to keep 
it and dwell therein for ever. 

O Jesu most pure, the Creator of all things 
secret, and Who dwellest in the hearts of them 
that love Thee ! Thou that art to all the 
contemplative a Cross-formed spectacle ! O di- 
vine Treasury of all gifts and graces ! O Christ, 
our King, Redeemer of the faithful ! Who didst 



Meditations on the Life of Christ 215 

cause Thy most sacred side to be opened by the 
sharp point of a dreadful spear ; open to me, I 
pray Thee, the gate of Thy compassion. 

Suffer me to enter, by the great and open 
door of Thy side, the secret recesses of Thy 
most loving heart ; that my heart may be united 
to Thee by the inseparable bond of love, and 
vehemently inflamed thereby; so that Thou 
mayest dwell in me, and I in Thee ; and that I 
may remain one with Thee for ever. 

Wound my heart with the arrow of Thy love. 
Let Thy spear, as it were a soldier's weapon, 
pass through my flesh, and penetrate my inner 
self. 

So that, from this salutary wounding, my 
soul may obtain perfect health — admitting no 
lover save Thee, seeking for no consolation be- 
yond Thee. 

May my heart be accessible and open to Thee 
alone ; alien to the world, closed to Satan, and 
strengthened on all sides, by the standard of the 
Cross, against every trial that may beset it. 



216 Meditations on the Life of Christ 



CHAPTER XXXII. 

ON THE TAKING DOWN OF CHRIST FROM THE 

CROSS. 

I BLESS and give Thee thanks, O Lord Jesu 
Christ, Thou strength divine, for Thy hum- 
ble descent at eventide from the lofty Cross ; on 
which, for our Salvation, Thou didst hang un- 
til the setting of the sun; and from which 
Thou wast ordered to be taken down, accord- 
ing to the regulation of the old Law 5 and be- 
cause of the approaching day of the Paschal 
Feast, to be kept on the holy Sabbath. 

I praise and glorify Thee for the ready ser- 
vice so lovingly rendered Thee by Thy f amiliar 
friends, when those pious men, Joseph of Ari- 
mathsea, and Nicodemus, a Doctor of the Law, 
coming with their servants to the Cross, 
mounted ladders raised aloft ; the one ascend- 
ing on Thy right hand, the other on Thy 
left; while a third was occupied loosing Thy 
feet. 

With all honor and reverence they extracted 
from Thy sacred hands and feet three precious 
nails, more valuable far than shining gold. 
Then, with the assistance of powerful compan- 



Meditations on the Life of Christ 217 

ions, reverently embracing Thy most noble 
Body, they modestly and carefully lowered it to 
the ground. 

Blessed men of mercy are ye, who paid this 
loving attention to the Lord your God, that ye 
might duly deliver Him over for burial ! For 
the fidelity which ye formerly manifested to 
your Friend, when He was alive, ye afterwards 
took care to exhibit, with even greater devo- 
tion, when He was dead. 

Therefore from God, to whom ye proved 
yourselves so faithful on earth, ye shall in 
heaven receive a special reward. He, for Whom 
ye have now prepared a place of burial on earth, 
will doubtless, in return, prepare for you a hap- 
pier mansion in heaven ; just as He promised 
His disciples, the night before His Crucifixion. 

O that I also, the least of the servants of God, 
had been allowed to attend the burial of my 
Lord; there to have rendered some service 
however small ! How readily would I have 
held the ladder to the Cross, or have stretched 
forth the workman's pincers to extract the nails, 
or even have aided those who lowered the sacred 
Body ! 

O what a privilege for me, had I stood near 
enough to receive into my bosom, for a sweet 
memorial of His Passion, one of the nails of 
my Lord, as it fell from above ; that, as oft as 



218 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

I gazed thereon, I might forthwith be moved to 
tears ! 

I laud and glorify Thee for that enviable em- 
brace, when Thou wast received and embraced 
within the hands and arms of Thy most sor- 
rowful Mother ; yea, when, out of compassion- 
ate devotion, Thou wast delivered to her by 
Thy faithful ones, and placed in the Virgin's 
lap. 

O what precious tears then flowed from her 
most pure eyes, what warm drops ran down 
those cheeks all-chaste, and from the maternal 
face quickly bedewed Thy dead Body. 

O what pure lips Thy pure Mother then im- 
pressed upon Thy lif eless hmbs ; how sorrow- 
fully and how ceaselessly did she look on the 
all-holy wound-marks ! 

O with what clinging arms did she embrace 
the blessed fruit of her womb ; that fruit which 
she saw offered up on the Altar of the Cross, 
for the salvation of the world ! 

Who, however devoted, could conceive the 
cutting misery of such anguish ? Who declare 
the abundance of those tears ? 

Draw nearer then now, O my soul, and de- 
voutly kiss the blood-marked wounds of Jesus. 
For, when He was hanging nailed on the Cross, 
no way of approaching Him was open, because 
of the pressing crowd and the loftiness of the 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 219 

Cross ; but now He is found in the bosom of 
His weeping Mother, lying there wounded and 
dead. 

Draw near, therefore, however great a sin- 
ner ; thou, whom the fear of eternal condem- 
nation greatly alarms; because for thee the 
Lamb has been slain, for thee hath been offered 
a Sacrifice, which hath taken away the sins of 
the whole world. 

So gracious and merciful is the Lord Jesus, 
that no one can go away empty, no one discon- 
solate ; provided in penitence he heartily seeks 
for pardon. 

O how sweet are those words to me, a sinner ; 
sweeter than honey and the honeycomb to my 
heart. For whatever I read that Jesus suffered 
in the flesh, all, I perceive, was done for me. 

May I, here on earth, with bended knees hum- 
bly adore Christ my Redeemer; until called 
away to give Him glory for ever in the Heaven 
of Heavens. 



CHAPTER XXXin. 

ON THE REVEREND BURIAL OF JESUS CHRIST. 



O 



LORD JESU CHRIST, Thou savor of life 
and brightness of eternal light, I bless and 
give Thee thanks for Thine anointment with the 



220 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

sweetest composition of precious spices. For, 
although it was not necessary for Thee to keep 
away corruption, still was it, as a mark of the 
devotion of Thy friends, very acceptable to 
Thee. And further, it was to be lawfully ap- 
plied to Thee in full accord with Jewish custom, 
as we read concerning certain Patriarchs and 
Kings, who received like burial. 

I praise and honor Thee for the careful wrap- 
ping of Thy sacred Body in a clean linen cloth, 
and for the decent infolding of Thy blessed 
head in a pure white napkin ; which was after- 
wards found lying by itself in the Holy Sep- 
ulchre. 

I praise and glorify Thee for Thy mournful 
conveyance to the place of burial, for the solemn 
laying Thee down, and for Thy lowly extension 
within the new tomb, hewn out of the rock, 
given to Thee by Joseph, an honorable Coun- 
sellor. There, as the hour was getting late, 
with much weeping Thou wast honorably 
buried, and firmly closed in under a large stone 
rolled unto the door of the sepulchre. 

Rejoice, O venerable Joseph, in an office of 
such great piety, and in so sublime a labor of 
love for Christ. I thank thee heartily, and 
most highly commend thy noble bearing, in 
that thou didst this — a matter most worthy of 
all honor. 



Meditations on the Life of Christ 221 

Because, not only didst thou ask of Pilate 
permission to bury Jesus, but didst also open 
to Him thine own sepulchre ; which thou hadst 
prepared for thyself, to be thine own resting- 
place after death. 

how highly has God esteemed thee, that 
He should choose to be buried in thy grave, 
above all other places in the world ! He, in- 
deed, in Whose power are all the regions of 
the earth, and whatever is contained within the 
circuit of the heavens. 

1 tell thee, most illustrious of men, that, 
henceforth as long as the world shall stand, 
and the number of the faithful flourish, ye shall 
be honored before God and men. For this 
venerable Sepulchre shall be more glorious and 
renowned than all other sepulchres, whether of 
Saints or Kings ; and, above all others, shall be 
told of with the highest praise in every region 
of the earth. 

Many pilgrims will come from the far off 
corners of the world to visit this holy spot, and 
will worship in this place, where the Body of 
the Lord found rest. 

Here Jesus was buried; here the Crucified 
One was laid ; here the women bewailed Him ; 
here soldiers guarded Him. 

Here Christ rose again the third day ; here 
Jesus was seen by Mary Magdalene ; here an 



222 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

Angel of the Lord appeared from heaven ; here 
the guards of the Sepulchre were affrighted and 
became as dead. 

Do thou, therefore, also abide here awhile, 
near unto the Sepulchre, and with the women 
lament for the Lord Jesus, who was buried for 
thee. For it behoves thee deeply to grieve for 
Him, from Whom thou longest to receive the 
gift of unceasing joy. 

Consider how sorely the loving friends of 
Christ then sorrowed, and especially the holy 
women, when they beheld Jesus taken from 
them, and shut up in the Sepulchre. 

For the love of Whom they had despised all 
things, and followed Him over a wide region 
round about ; to Whom they had so often and 
so devotedly ministered of their substance. So 
much indeed did they love Him, that they could 
scarcely be separated from Him, even for a lit- 
tle moment. 

With Him they ever yearned to live and hold 
sweet converse, and through Him they believed 
they were to be for ever blessed. Assuredly, 
the more intense their love, the more bitter was 
their lamentation. 

But, above all, they chiefly sorrowed because 
the hope of a Resurrection seemed taken from 
them ; and their faith, in a manner, was buried 
with Jesus in the tomb. 



Meditations on the Life of Christ 223 

No consolation, therefore, seemed to be left 
to His heart-broken followers, save to mourn 
over the departed, or to go and prepare sweet 
spices ; for, if they could not raise the dead, 
they could at least, by a most effectual anoint- 
ing, preserve His Body from corruption. 

But, O ye holy and devout women, ye that 
love Christ with unceasing affection, do not, I 
pray you, give way to over much sorrow ; do 
not inwardly despair. 

Remember the words of Jesus, foretold you 
by Himself, and wait a little season : — For after 
three days He will surely rise again. 

Then ye shall behold, in great splendor and 
joyfulness of heart, Him, Whom now ye bewail, 
entombed in weakness and sadness. 

Then to all His friends, who now so heavily 
mourn over Christ's death and burial, there will 
come a new joy. Your anointing then will be 
found in no way necessary, for, when He rises, 
He shall appear in the highest glory. 

He will be clothed in the robe of immortality, 
nor shall death ever again have dominion over 
Him. 

Learn thou, in the burial of Jesus, to medi- 
tate profitably on the dissolution of thine own 
body. What thou hast received from the earth 
must needs be committed to the earth, "for 
dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return." 



224 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

Whence then this boasting, thou that art so 
soon to decay, and to be buried in the ground ? 
What dost thou long for in the world, seeing 
thou art so soon to be driven from it, and to be 
trodden under foot of men ? 

When thou seest the sepulchres of the dead, 
remember thou art soon to join them. There, 
surely, is the appointed home of all living. 

There the rich and the poor will lie stretched 
on one bed, common to all ; contented with a 
small spot of earth. 

There the noble is not distinguished from the 
vulgar, nor is the meek any longer trampled on 
by one mightier than he. There money profits 
not the greedy, nor clever villainy the crafty. 
There the delicate shall be food for worms, and 
the once gaily attired shall become an offensive 
odor. There the haughtiness of men shall be 
bowed down, and the praise of the lofty ones 
shall vanish. 

Behold how the whole race of man passeth 
away ; and all flesh, corrupted by sin, returns 
to that from whence it came. 

Wherefore, labor now so to live and to mor- 
tify the deeds of the flesh by the spirit, that, 
when thy flesh moulders in the dust, thy soul 
may be meet, through Christ, to rest in peace- 
ful repose. 

For, if now, in the day of preparation, thou 



Meditations on the Life of Christ 225 

livest in labor and sorrow, thou shalt have a 
holy Sabbath of quiet ; and then, in due season, 
a joyous Passover at the Resurrection of the 
Just. 

By how much the more strictly, therefore, 
thou now livest in the world, so much the more 
peaceably thou shalt rest in the grave. By how 
much the more tightly thou now clingest to the 
Cross, so much the more boldly shalt thou come 
to Christ. By how much the more bitterly thou 
deplorest thy sins, so much the less shalt thou 
fear to stand in the presence of Jesus, thy Re- 
deemer. 

Lament, lament in this thy day of grace, 
while the door of mercy is open, whilst thy re- 
pentance is acceptable to Him with whom is 
plenteous redemption. 

Sorrow also over the miserable state of the 
world, and the sad ingratitude of man : that so 
few are found true imitators of Christ crucified ; 
that so many wax cold and fall from their spir- 
itual fervor. 

Let it therefore be thy daily exercise to medi- 
tate on Jesus Christ, and Him Crucified. Ever 
set Jesus before thee — from the Cross of Jesus 
draw not back; but, living and dying, with 
Jesus enter into the grave, that, when Christ, 
who is thy life, shall appear, thou mayest with 
Him rise again in glory. Amen. 



PART III. 



ON THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST 
AND HIS SEVERAL APPEARANCES. 



CHAPTER I. 

ON THE MOST VICTORIOUS TRIUMPH OF OUR 
LORD JESUS CHRIST ON THE CROSS OVER 
DEATH; AND ON HIS MOST JOYFUL RESUR- 
RECTION FROM THE SEPULCHRE. 

OLORD JESU CHRIST, I bless and give 
Thee thanks, Thou Saviour of the world, 
for Thy most victorious triumph over death on 
the Cross; and for Thy glorious and joyful 
Resurrection from the grave ; in which Thou 
hadst lain three days and nights, verily dead 
for us. With much weeping wast Thou buried, 
hidden wast Thou from human eyes, shut in by 
a great stone ; so that, by Thy friends and disci- 
ples, Thou couldest neither be touched nor seen. 
Where also Thou wast guarded by faithless 
soldiers in strong armor clad ; lest, rising again 
from the dead, Thou mightest escape out of 
their charge ; or that, perchance, Thy disciples 
might privily take Thee away, and, craftily 
carrying Thee elsewhere, might worship Thee 
as God ; telling to the people, " Jesus, who was 
crucified, has risen from the dead." 



230 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

But sin was surely its own betrayer ; and all 
the subtlety of the devil, all the power of Pilate, 
all the perversity of the people, all the crafti- 
ness of the Priests, all the learning of the 
Scribes, all the counsel of the Pharisees and 
Elders, who strove to cast out Thy holy Name 
from the mouths of men — were brought to 
nought. 

For, assuredly, there is no counsel against 
the Lord, neither does earthly power prevail 
against the Most High ; nor does the carnal 
mind profit against the wisdom of God, nor can 
crafty plotting deceive the God who knoweth 
all things. 

For Thou, who hast founded the earth on its 
bases, and placed to the sea its bounds, and 
hast created all things in due weight, number, 
and measure, knewest also the time and hour 
of Thy Resurrection ; as Thou hadst known the 
time of Thy Birth and the hour of Thy Death. 

Therefore, when midnight was past and the 
dawn of day near, Thou, O most gracious 
Jesus, didst with a glorious Body, in the great- 
est joy and ineffable brightness, rise again from 
the closed Sepulchre, alive and glad; in like 
manner as, at Thy nativity, Thou earnest forth 
from the virgin womb of Thy most blessed 
Mother. 

And this most sacred Feast of Thy Resurrec- 



Meditations on the Life of Christ 231 

tion, brighter than the sun, yea brighter far 
than all the Festivals of the year, the Church 
hat ordained to be solemnly kept by all the 
Faithful throughout the world, and that by an 
ordinance for ever. With one heart and one 
voice is it to be kept, in hymns and psalms and 
oft-repeated hallelujahs ; and so, in happy com- 
memoration and thanksgiving, recalled to mind 
most worthily. 

For at the break of day, while Angels were 
looking down and rejoicing with Thee in Thy 
noble triumph over death and the spoiling of 
the grave, Thou, Christ, O King, didst merci- 
fully set open to us the gate of Eternity, as 
Thou hadst foretold to Thy disciples; and, 
whilst they were yet in their ignorance, Thou 
didst joyfully put on the robe of Thy glorious 
Body. 

Then all the powers of darkness grieved and 
groaned at the brightness of Thy countenance, 
as seen in our human nature. 

Great fear also fell upon the soldiers, while 
with force of arms they were guarding the 
Sepulchre ; for, when the earth shook and they 
beheld the strange vision of Angels, they forth- 
with became like unto dead men. 

For the Angel of the Lord descended from 
heaven, shining in snowlike whiteness, and rolled 
back the great stone from the Sepulchre ; and 



232 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

so made ready a straight and secure way for 
the holy women, who were coming with pre- 
cious spices to again anoint Jesus. Now they 
could safely draw near, and see that the tomb 
was empty, and that Jesus was not there, but 
had risen. 

Lord Jesu Christ, Most Mighty, King of 
kings, Prince of heaven and earth, Thou bounti- 
ful Creator of all things, I bless and highly 
exalt Thee for Thy stern overthrow of hell, and 
the strong binding of proud Lucifer, who was 
cast into the lake of burning fire. 

1 praise and glorify Thee for the great sub- 
jugation of the wickedness and power of Satan, 
as exercised by him against the human race ; 
so that evil spirits can no longer prevail against 
us at their will, as once they were wont to do 
before Thine Incarnation and Thy Passion. 

On whose head were recompensed, with a 
righteous judgment, all the scandal and plotting 
of the Jews, intended Thee by Thy death on 
the Cross between two thieves. 

And now, behold Thou hast risen again and 
vanquished the Kingdom of Hell. Thou hast, 
by the Standard of the Holy Cross, dashed in 
pieces the powers of darkness ; and. under the 
feet of Thy humble servants, whom Thou hast 
chosen out of the world, hast Thou trodden 
their pride to destruction. 



Meditations on the Life of Christ 233 

For now, all Christians, high and low, rejoice 
that they are signed with the sign of the Holy 
Cross, and, to the honor of Thy Name, bear it 
boldly on their foreheads against the terrors of 
the old serpent, and the insult of every infidel 
— Jew and Gentile ; who yet hate the Name of 
Jesns Christ, the Son of God, Who, for the sal- 
vation of the world, was crucified. 

I praise and honor Thee, O benign Jesus, for 
the loving visit to the Saints of the Old Testa- 
ment in their resting place below ; and for the 
liberation of all faithful souls at rest in the 
bosom of Abraham. 

They, who were long ardently awaiting Thy 
coming on Thy descent into hell, and devoutly 
crying out to Thee with voices mingled with 
tears, now sing (as in procession in this our 
day is sung) : — 

" Thou hast come, O desired One, for Whom 
we have been waiting in darkness, that Thou 
mightest this night lead forth the captives from 
their prison-house." 

Rejoice now therefore, especially thou, O 
Adam, our primordial father, nature's progeni- 
tor of the human race, with Eve thy noble 
wife, formed from thy side in Paradise. Be- 
cause from thy race comes the Christ, who was 
born of a Virgin, and was sacrificed upon the 
Cross, to deliver thee and all thy fellow-captive 



234 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

children, who have died in His faith, and in the 
hope of heavenly grace. Thy delivery has been 
from the holding of the grave, from the house 
of bondage, from the shadow of death, from 
the den of lions, and from the terror of most 
wicked spirits ; to restore thee and all thy holy 
offspring with joyful sounds of sweetest songs, 
to a Paradise of delight and eternal happiness. 

And thou, O holy Patriarch Abraham, father 
of many nations, rejoice together with faithful 
Sarah thy wife, for the Incarnation of Christ, 
promised thee of old, and in the present Festi- 
val completed; — that Christ, whose day thou 
so long expectedst and so desiredst to see. 

For, as thou firmly believedst, so now, verily, 
thou deserves t with joyful face to behold Christ, 
born of thy seed, the bestower of a heavenly 
Kingdom. 

And do thou, most venerable father Isaac, 
rejoice with the whole Church, for the bright 
vision of Christ, and His descent into hell; the 
Christ, of Whom, before thy death, thou didst 
prophesy ; and, in blessing thy son Jacob, thou 
didst beautifully prenote and commend the 
Anointed One as blessed above all Saints, say- 
ing, " See, the smell of my son is as the smell 
of a field, which the Lord hath blessed. Cursed 
be every one that curseth thee, and blessed be 
every one that blesseth thee." 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 235 

Wherefore, also, I, hearing and reading these 
things, give thanks to Thee, my God, and I 
bless Thy Name, O most sweet Jesu Christ, 
above all the names of Saints ; that I may, with 
Thine Elect, be blessed now and forever, and 
may abound in all heavenly virtues, and be 
made happy with Thy holy Angels. 

And, do thou, O Jacob, most renowned 
wrestler, rejoice in this day, and that especially 
for the joyful presence and celestial glory of 
Jesus Christ ; of Whom thou in days of old, 
when blessing thy sons, didst, with faithful 
prayer, thus prophesy: "I shall wait for Thy 
Salvation, Lord." 

O truly sweet words to the ear ! Full of 
peace to the pious ! O salutary utterance ! in 
which is latently signified the Name of Jesus, 
the Messiah, by Patriarchs and Prophets so 
long desired, so patiently waited for, and at last 
presented to sight. 

" For there is none other name under heaven 
given among men, whereby we must be saved, 
than the Name of Jesus/ 7 sweetest of all names 
for ever and ever — blessed above all for all ages. 

Jesus Himself, indeed, promised in the Law, 
the Salvation of God, born of a Virgin, and 
tortured on the Cross, rose again the third day ; 
having fulfilled all things, which the holy Patri- 
archs and Prophets spake concerning Him. 



236 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

Speak, therefore, now O holy Jacob — speak 
openly in the joy of thy heart. Tell of Christ 
appearing in the glory of His Father, before 
the Angels of God, tl I behold now my Lord face 
to face, and my soul is made safe." What 
more dost thou desire ? What greater happi- 
ness couldest thou have ? 

If thou hadst such great joy when thou saw- 
est the Angel of God, how much more oughtest 
thou now to glory, in that thou art permitted 
to see the Lord of Angels. If thy spirit revived 
when thou heardest, " Joseph thy son is yet 
alive ; and has rule over all the land of Egypt," 
how much more wilt thou rejoice over the 
Resurrection of Christ from the grave, never to 
die again, but to reign for ever over all things 
in heaven and on earth. 

O all ye holy Patriarchs and Prophets, O 
kings and leaders of the people, O old men and 
young, O virgins and faithful widows, O Priests 
and Levites, Doctors and Scribes, O spirits and 
souls of just men, O ye that are holy and hum- 
ble at heart, this day rejoice and be glad in 
Jesus Christ our Saviour ! 

Praise and extol Him for ever, because He 
came to visit you, and to rejoice the hearts of 
all who were waiting for the redemption of His 
people Israel. 

And now, O most loving Lord Jesu Christ, 



Meditations on the Life of Christ 237 

Thou true salvation of my soul, and my entire 
hope in this frail life, from my youth up unto 
mine old age; yea, at this present day and 
hour, forsake me not, I beseech Thee, when I 
am poor and weak, 'mid tribulations and temp- 
tations in various ways assailing me. 

Comfort me, my God, in every trouble of my 
heart, by the merits of Thy most sacred Pas- 
sion ; and by the vehement grief and the plen- 
teous tears, which Thou, out of compassion for 
me, didst pour forth on the Cross. 

Make me also partaker of the gladness of all 
Thy beloved Saints — the Patriarchs, Prophets 
and Apostles, who rejoice with Thee in the 
Kingdom of Heaven. 

Remember, O Lord, Thy holy Word which 
Thou spakest : " For many will come from the 
East and the West, and shall sit down with 
Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of 
heaven." 

Grant, therefore, I beseech Thee, O Lord, 
that I may be admitted to this holy fellowship 
and celestial feast in the Kingdom of Heaven ; 
O Thou, who, on this day, didst rise from the 
grave in Thy glorious Body, and didst stead- 
fastly promise the joys of eternal Life with the 
Angels above to all who love Thee ; Who liv- 
est and reignest with the Father and the Holy 
Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen. 



238 Meditations on the Life of Christ 



CHAPTER II. 

ON THE DEVOUT VISITING OF THE HOLY SEP- 
ULCHRE OF THE LORD JESU CHRIST. 

OLORD JESU CHRIST, the Comforter 
of all that are sad and sorrowing, I bless 
and thank Thee for that devout visit of the 
holy women, who very early in the morning, at 
the rising of the sun, came to Thy Sepulchre, 
there to see clearly all that had been done on 
that most solemn night, a night blessed indeed 
above all nights. 

I praise and highly honor that sacred fervor 
of the saintly women — the noble ladies, seeking 
again to anoint Thy most holy Body ; because, 
so early in the morning, while it was yet dark 
and the rest of the world deep in sleep, they 
hastily arose and went together to the Sepul- 
chre (all so quietly and privately), carrying the 
spices they had prepared for Thine anointment. 

O what great sorrow sprang up in their 
hearts, what tears came to their eyes, when, on 
their way, they passed by Calvary, and beheld 
the Cross, marked the traces of Thy Passion, 
and thought of all Thy wounds ! 

O what anguish oppressed them and forced 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 239 

tears from their eyes, when they beheld the 
Sepulchre, and said among themselves, "Who 
shall roll away the stone for us from the door 
of the Sepulchre ? " 

For they knew full well, that they could not, 
by their own strength, remove so great a stone 
from the tomb. 

Fear therefore urged them to go back, but 
love pressed them onward, regardless of the 
soldier-guard. " O, if Peter and John were 
here, we might then indeed hope that gladly 
they would aid us ! " 

It is better, O good women, that the Apostles 
should be in their homes, away unseen, and 
meanwhile pray for you ; that God would pro- 
tect you and fulfil your desire ; far better than 
that they should come here into bodily peril, 
and the soldiers slay them. 

For thence would arise a greater sorrow, and 
heavily oppress you : if, after our Lord's Cruci- 
fixion, His disciples also should be put to death. 

What then will ye do, and whither will ye 
go f Hold together, I entreat you, and pray. 
Fear not, but in safety advance. Trust in the 
Lord, for help will soon be with you from 
heaven, and a comforting reply from the An- 
gel, who knows what has come to pass concern- 
ing the buried Lord. 

God sees vour heart ; who ve are and whence 



240 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

ye are; whom ye seek, and what ye bear in 
your hands beneath your cloaks. 

For a sweet savor from your spices ascends 
before God 'mid the heavenly hosts ; and the 
holy Angels rejoice in the sweetness of your 
devout prayers, and the glowing love ye have 
for Jesus, now made manifest by your pious 
act. 

Love truly overcometh all things and feareth 
no one. Love resteth not until it gains sight 
of the beloved. 

Therefore make ye haste, go forward and be 
silent. Observe the Sepulchre diligently ; and, 
if it be open, enter without fear. 

If ye fear to enter, wait awhile and pray. 
Look heavenwards, knock at the door with 
mourning and weeping, until the Angel of the 
Lord descend from heaven, and say unto you, 
"Be not affrighted, for I know that ye seek 
Jesus which was crucified. Come and see the 
place where the Lord was laid. He is not here 
(as ye see) for He is risen as He said unto you." 
If ye now keep His words well in remembrance, 
no doubt ought ye to have of His Resurrection. 

The love of Jesus during His Passion sad- 
dened you ; the love of Him in His Resurrection 
will give you joy. Wait a little while and ye 
will assuredly see Him. 

No longer seek Him lying in the grave, but 



Meditations on the Life of Christ, 241 

as living with Angels in Heaven. He is not in 
Bethany supping with Martha, but sitting at 
the right hand of the Father in the highest 
glory. He is not in a small boat sailing with 
Peter, but ruling over all the heavenly Hosts. 
He is not preaching on the mountain, but hold- 
ing sway over every creature in heaven and 
earth. 

Remember how He said, that it behoved the 
Son of Man to be crucified, and that He should 
be raised again from the dead the third day. 
Now, therefore, go ye hence comforted and 
strengthened by the Angel. 

Go quickly, and bear the good news to His 
friends ; and tell to His sorrowing disciples the 
glad tidings of great joy; lest they despair, 
because they all forsook Jesus and fled. Recall 
them now to the hope of pardon. 

But to Peter, who denied Him thrice, and, in 
sorrow for his deed, ceases not to weep most 
bitterly, especially say, that there must be no 
distrust; bid him rather cast himself on the 
great and wonted loving-kindness of Jesus, 
which has been so often shown him ; for this 
very day he shall assuredly see Jesus, and great 
shall be his joy. 

Tell him, moreover, all that ye have heard 
and seen, that this very night our Lord Jesus 
Christ is risen indeed. 



242 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

O Saint Peter, cease now to weep ! Rise 
quickly and come. Run with St. John, enter 
with safety the Sepulchre, and see the linen 
clothes and the napkin of Jesus lying there. 

Believe the words of the Angels, saying, that 
Jesus is risen and liveth ; that He will go into 
Galilee, and there appear to His disciples. 

sweet response from the mouth of the 
Angel, well fitted to comfort the hearts of the 
afflicted, and to give hope of pardon to sinners. 

They may take comfort from the example of 
Peter and many other Saints; who, having 
fallen, rose again, and became, in their service 
of God, stronger than ever. 

Blessed be God, who forsakes not the troubled 
in heart, and saves such as are of a humble 
spirit, and strengthens in faith those that seek 
none but Him, and yearn not for any other. 

O, holy women, who hear so much that is 
good concerning Jesus, should He meet you by 
the way and say, "Hail, Sisters/ 7 hold Him 
firmly by the feet, and let Him not go until He 
bless you. 

Adore Him with knees bent on the earth, 
and salute Him tenderly with loving words. 

1 praise and honor Thee, O most gracious 
Jesu, for Thy great kindness and tender conso- 
lation, and for Thy words of joyful salutation, 
with which Thou didst greet the holy and de- 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 243 

vout women, when they met Thee; suffering 
them to embrace Thy most sacred feet, so lately 
nailed to the Cross — feet that were brighter 
than the sun, whiter than snow, more beautiful 
than the carbuncle, more precious than gold, 
more fragrant than all balm and perfume. 

O glorious Jesus ! I most earnestly thank 
Thee for sending Thy holy Angel from heaven 
to roll away the stone from the Sepulchre. 
That he might frighten away the impious 
guards from the sacred place, where Thou wast 
quietly at rest, like some strong lion in his den. 

That he might make for the men and women 
a free access to the Tomb ; that he might com- 
fort all that mourned for Thee, dead and 
buried ; that he might strengthen in the faith 
the feeble-minded, who doubted Thy Resurrec- 
tion ; that he might rejoice with Thee in every 
good thing, because of Thy prosperous return 
from the grave, and the happy opening of the 
gate of Heaven. 

For so great a grief had seized their minds 
when they saw Thee crucified, that they lost all 
faith and hope in Thy future Resurrection; 
which Thou by Thine own mouth hadst so often 
foretold to them. 

Whence from mortal man no comfort could 
they have obtained unless in the morning they 
had paid a visit to Thy tomb, and there heard 



244 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

from an Angel that Thou hadst verily risen ; 
and had seen Thee palpably before their eyes, 
and, as full proof of the truth, held with then- 
hands Thy glorious feet. 

These things being done, after lovingly greet- 
ing and consoling them, Thou didst charge 
them with the duty of declaring the glad tid- 
ings; an office worthy of all acceptation and 
honor : and then Thou didst very tenderly up- 
hold and strengthen them by Thy gracious ex- 
hortation, saying, "Be not afraid, go tell My 
brethren that they go into Galilee, there shall 
they see Me." 

O how pleasant are those words to the ear, 
how sweet to be studied, how precious for medita- 
tion, how fitted to keep down all worldly fables ! 

how bright the eyes that have seen the 
Lord, how pure the hands that have touched 
Jesus, how sacred the lips that have pressed on 
Him a kiss ! 

How swift have their feet become to walk, 
how eager to run ; how ready their hearts to 
obey ; how rejoiced their mouths to declare to 
the disciples that the Lord is risen ! 

Great as was the multitude of sorrows on the 
day of Preparation, when was seen the shame- 
ful Cross with Jesus thereon ; greater far were 
the joys of the Passover, when His glorious 
Resurrection was proclaimed. 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 245 

The reproaches of the Jews are turned into 
the great rejoicing of the Apostles; and the 
offence of the Cross into the remedy of eternal 
salvation. 

The tears of the Saints are changed into the 
songs of Angels ; and the stripes of the scourg- 
ers and the nails into remission of our sins. 

O most sweet Jesu Christ, move my heart 
also to love Thy holy and blessed Name, which 
is far above all Saints in heaven and earth; 
that, every morning, at break of day, with 
Mary Magdalene and her companions, I may 
remember and seek Thee in the sepulchre of 
my heart. May I die entirely to this world, 
and devoutly cleave to Thee m the silence and 
secrecy of prayer. 

Take from me all hardness of heart, all bod- 
ily sloth, and all drowsiness of mine eyes. 

Pour into me the grace of penitence, increase 
in me the joy of devotion, to the glory of Thy 
holy Name ; a Name worthy indeed to be cele- 
brated in this holy solemnity. 

Accept the first fruits of my lips for a sacri- 
fice of perpetual praise, and may Thy holy 
Angels, who guarded Thy holy Sepulchre with 
so great reverence and respect, faithfully guard 
me, day and night, from all dangers ghostly 
and bodily. 

And do Thou, O Lord, stand by me, especially 



246 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

in the hour of prayer ; lest I begin to wander 
by looking about me ? and put vain fancies of 
things earthly where that which is heavenly 
should be ; so neglecting Thee in Thy holy 
place. 

Where it behoves me in every way, with 
great reverence and attention, to stand in the 
presence of Thy glory as a suppliant pleader, 
drawn in soul heavenward. Then shall I, for- 
getting for Thy sake all worldly things, be, as 
far as possible, wholly united to Thee with a 
pure heart. 

For what are all things here below but vanity 
of vanities ? Truly, in comparison with heav- 
enly joys, every earthly pleasure is as nothing 
before Thee. 

Grant me, therefore, my God, Thou that 
art the beauty and glory of Angels, that I may 
ponder every word and the full sense of the 
Psalms, and other songs and hymns, which are 
sung and said in the church; as far as, in my 
frail condition, I am able to receive and under- 
stand them. May this continue until I come to 
Thee, the true Light, lightening my darkness, 
and causing all the citizens of the heavenly 
Jerusalem to rejoice. 

Accept also, on this sacred day of the great 
Festival, in the place of the ointments of sweet 
savor, pressed out of frankincense and myrrh, 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 247 

the frequent and bitter secret sighings of my 
mouth ; uttered for all my sins and negligences, 
committed by me in thought, word, and deed. 
So that now, as a new man, born again in the 
Spirit, and clothed in white, I may, with hum- 
ble confession of my sins, be deemed in Christ 
meet to appear among Thy devout ones, pure 
and joyful. 

Henceforth I offer to Thee, instead of the 
precious ointments of balsam and honey, all 
the holy desires of my heart, and the sacred 
exercises of the Faithful, together with the song 
of Angels and the rejoicing of all the heavenly 
host, in praise of the Blessed Trinity, and in 
honor of Thy joyful Resurrection. Amen. 



CHAPTER III. 

ON THE APPEARANCE OF JESUS TO MARY MAG- 
DALENE IN THE FORM OF A GARDENER. 

OLORD JESU CHRIST, Maker of all 
things and Discerner of the secrets of 
the heart, I bless and give Thee thanks for Thy 
friendly appearance to the blessed Mary Mag- 
dalene, Thy most fervently devoted follower, as 
she stood weeping near to the Sepulchre. 
To her Thou didst deign to shew Thyself in 



248 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

the form of a gardener, talking familiarly with 
her, and, of Thy special favor to her, revealing 
many secrets of Thy Divinity and mysteries of 
Thy Humanity. 

Thou didst first inform her, before all others, 
of Thy glorious Resurrection ; and, after her 
mournful complaints and wearisome searchings, 
Thou didst abundantly gladden her. 

I praise and highly exalt Thee for Thy kind 
visitation and sweet address to Mary Magda- 
lene, all so desolate, inquiring of her : — " Why 
weepest Thou ? " u Whom seekest Thou ? " 

O sweet Jesus, and most gracious Master! 
Who knowest all things before they come to 
pass, why askest Thou concerning things of 
which Thou hadst perfect knowledge ? 

Thou knowest that she seeks nothing, desires 
nothing, but Thee only, Whom above all things 
she truly loves. She grieves and weeps because 
she found Thee not in the Sepulchre ; for she 
has lost her dearest friend on earth. 

As oft as she thinks of Thee, or hears Thee 
spoken of, or sees Thy Tomb, or pictures Thy 
Cross — indeed anything pertaining to Thee — 
forthwith her heart is moved within her, and 
she weeps. Love knows no rest unless it finds 
what it seeks, has what it loves, and secures 
that which it desires. 

If, to-day in Thy presence she weeps on this 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 249 

so great a Festival, be not Thou angry, O Lord ; 
it is her love that works upon her ; her entire 
devotion to Thee, which allows her neither to 
sleep nor to take rest. 

That it was which constrained her to rise ere 
it was day, that she might anoint Thee. And 
now, because she finds Thee not, she weeps and 
sorrows sadly for Thee. 

Just as the love burns within her, so is her 
desire inflamed to seek Thee. If she could fly 
as an Angel, she would assuredly wing her way 
over hills and mountains, and beyond the stars 
of the firmament, in search of Thee ; even above 
the Cherubim and Seraphim would she soar, to 
find Thee in Thy Kingdom, seated on the lofti- 
est throne of Thy Father. 

This was not granted to her on that day, nor 
is it given to all to be caught up with Paul to 
the third Heaven ; but only to those, for whom 
it is prepared of Thy Father, at the fitting 
season fore-ordained of God. 

O gentle Jesus ! Thou Comforter of sorrow- 
ing souls, have compassion on Mary in her 
tears ; succor the mournful ; speak to her that 
loves Thee; speak, if but one word, and her 
sorrow will be healed. 

Speak but Thy Name, O Lord, let Thy voice 
sound in her ears, and straightway her spirit 
will revive. Show Thy face, O Jesu of a comely 



250 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

countenance, and her soul will in Thee most 
sweetly rejoice. Call her by her own name, 
and forthwith she will stay her weeping. 

Why, I pray Thee, O Lord, dost Thou hide 
Thy face from one that loves Thee ; so earnestly 
does she seek Thee, and so bitterly does she 
weep for Thee ? 

Why takest Thou the form of another? 
Why f eignest Thou 'to be the gardener, when 
Thou art her loved Lord and Master? Her 
Lord in ruling her, her Master in teaching 
her. 

Say then, "I am Jesus Whom thou seekest, 
be still and weep not ; in place of tears let there 
be peace." But, O kind Jesus ! in this what 
good designest Thou ? for what cause deferrest 
Thou the desire of her soul ? 

I know Thy plan. It is because Thou doest 
and disposest all things with a wisdom that 
foreseeth. Thou deceivest no man, neither art 
Thou deceived ; for Thou art a just God, in all 
Thy ways true and righteous. 

And therefore didst Thou hide from the 
weeping Mary the brightness of Thy counte- 
nance, that she might not know Thee ; that so 
Thou mightest the more stir up towards Thee 
the desire of her heart, and prove the strength 
of her patience ; and, further, that Thou might- 
est, by afflicting and delaying, more thoroughly 



Meditations on the Life of Christ 251 

cleanse her ; and bring her, after long sorrow- 
ing and many tears, to greater joy. 

By this also Thou hast shown to the devout, 
for their much comfort in the hour of tribula- 
tion, an example of the patience and penitence 
of St. Mary. Who, though greatly beloved by 
Thee, and adorned with many gifts, was yet in 
this life often afflicted, grieved, oppressed, and 
for a time desolate. All this was for the in- 
crease of her own holy service, and for the 
profit of other Christians, but never was she 
wholly deserted or despised. 

O how wisely and how tenderly dost Thou, 
O Lord, deal with Thy loved ones ; whether by 
trials or by comfortings, until Thou bringest 
them to Thyself, and into the eternal rest of a 
heavenly Paradise ! 

And needful is it, that in various ways they 
should be proved by temptations, and, like 
gold, be purged in the fire of tribulation. 

That therefore they may be made meet for 
the Kingdom of G-od, and fitted to enjoy the 
heavenly vision, they should consider whatever 
comes from Thy hand as a blessing, and an 
earnest of the Life eternal; that Life, which 
Thou hast promised to every devout soul that 
continues to weep and to pray, as did Mary 
Magdalene before Thee this day. 

O God of Israel, how good art Thou to those 



252 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

that are of a right spirit, who seek Thee in 
truth and lowliness, with sorrow and weeping, 
as Mary Magdalene sought and found Thee ! 

For whatever is laboriously looked for and 
with difficulty found, the more valued is it when 
secured, and the more carefully watched over. 

After a long fast, bread tastes the sweeter ; 
after a bitter draught, water is more pleasant 
to the drinker. 

After night, the more cheering is day unto 
the eyes ; and after cold, the more delightful is 
a fire. 

After sorrows, the harp has a more charming 
sound • and after heavy labors, the sweeter are 
rest and sleep. 

After fierce wars, peace to the sufferers is 
only the more welcome. The stars shine 
brighter, as the mist clears away; birds sing 
more cheerfully, when the sun is rising. 

So, on the coming of Christ with grace, the 
troubled soul is renewed like the eagle. These 
things are sufficiently manifest in the beloved 
Mary Magdalene; who, after long weeping, 
was abundantly comforted by the Lord Jesus 
— " O how plentiful is Thy goodness, O Lord, 
which Thou hast laid up for them that fear 
Thee ! » 

Verily, " Thou art a God that hidest Thyself," 
as says Esaias; and " besides Thee there is 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 253 

none other like unto Thee/ 7 Who knowest so 
wisely how to order all things for them that 
love Thee. 

O good Jesus, eternal Wisdom of the Father, 
how humbly and lovingly didst Thou live 
among men, teaching them all things useful 
and salutary ; to despise earthly things, to love 
heavenly things, and to endure tribulation ! 

the sweet converse of Mary with Jesus, the 
Saviour of the world, with the King of Angels, 
with the Lord of Lords, with the Prince of the 
heavenly citizens, with the Ruler of all Saints ! 

Verily, O Lord, if Mary had perfectly known 
Thee, she would never have supposed Thee to 
be a gardener ; nor would she have said to Thee, 
" Sir, if Thou have borne Him hence tell me." 

Mary ! how durst thou so speak to Him, 
the greatness of whose power thou knewest not u ? 
Whence hast thou such great courage that thou 
boldly sayest, " I will take Him away ? v How 
durst thou presume that, unaided, thou couldest 
carry such and so great a man ? 

Tell me where wilt thou bear Him? Who 
gave thee authority to take away that which 
thou didst not lay down f Thou knowest not 
what thou sayest. 

Call first thy companions and prove what 
thou sayest, whether, with united efforts, ye are 
able to carry Him whom ye seek. Perchance, 



254 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

not having found the sacred Body of Christ, so 
wearied arei ye by journeying, so greatly weak- 
ened by fasting and weeping yesterday and to- 
day, ye have not the strength. 

O Mary ! if thou art alone, and all others 
have drawn back, what wilt thou do ? Where- 
soever thy Beloved may be, ask this gardener 
to help thee seek and carry Him, whom thou 
lovest and fain wouldest find ; that dear One, 
for Whom thou weepest and so often sighest. 

No one can help or comfort thee better than 
this gardener. No one knows better, if he be 
willing to say, where thy Lord is carried or 
hidden. My belief is that, out of His great 
compassion, He hath come here to thee to show 
thee where He Himself, whom thou seekest, is 
now ; and who has by night taken Him away 
from the Sepulchre. 

O how great the desire of this holy woman, 
ever seeking, ever lamenting! Speak forth- 
with, I beseech Thee, O Lord, if it be but one 
little word, by which Thy dove, hearing Thy 
voice, may recognize Thee; and, rejoicing at 
the sight of her Spouse, may cease to mourn. 

She seeks Thee, she longs for Thee. Angels 
suffice her not, nor any created beings 5 neither 
is she content with any human solace whatso- 
ever. Speak, Lord, for Thy servant, Thy de- 
vout visitor, longs to hear Thy voice. 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 255 

Say to her " Mary," as Thou wast wont to 
say so often to Thy beloved hostess. This is 
her name. By none does she more gladly 
hear it uttered than by Thee, her only hope. 
That is her sole desire, for Thou art her all 
in all. 

O Mary, know Jesus, by Whom thou art 
known. Love Him by Whom thou art first 
loved. Answer, beloved, to thy beloved Master, 
the gardener of thy heart. 

O Lord, my Master, I give Thee thanks be- 
cause Thou hast appeared unto me. Behold 
now I have Him whom I have sought. Now 
see I Him for Whom I have wept. Far better 
is my lot than I dared to expect. 

Happy day and blessed hour ! on which 
thou, O Mary, after the mission and consolation 
of the Angel, wast permitted to see the Lord of 
Angels, and to hear His gracious words, saying 
unto thee, " Go to my brethren, and say unto 
them, I ascend unto My Father and your 
Father, and to My God, and your God." 

Mary, therefore, did as Jesus commanded 
her. Without delay and without a murmur 
she immediately went, joyfully declaring to the 
disciples the glad tidings, 4 *Lo, after much sor- 
row and weeping, I have seen my Lord." 

O how grateful and acceptable were those 
tears, poured forth from a pure heart, moved 



256 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

by perfect love, sweeter far than the alabaster 
box of precious spices ready for anointing ! 

Now, therefore, O most merciful Jesu Christ, 
Who didst deign to visit and comfort the de- 
vout Mary Magdalene, in her day of heavy sor- 
row, I beseech Thee by Thy tender compassion 
to show Thy mercy in like manner to me; 
when my soul is weary and sorrowful, op- 
pressed by labor of body and grief of heart, 
through some evil passion acting against me ; 
or the secret withdrawal of the sweetness of 
Thy grace, because of some fault of mine, bet- 
ter known to Thee than to me ; or, it mav be, 
through an evil conscience oppressing me with 
thoughts of the Judgment to come ; terrifying 
me on account of my daily negligence and luke- 
warmness, so many duties neglected, so many 
vain cares allowed to intrude. 

O Lord, I beseech Thee, in the day of my 
tribulation, withdraw not Thine hand from me, 
lest I lose all hope of the pardon of my sins ; 
but, rather, in the abundance of Thy loving- 
kindness, open to me the bosom of Thy tender 
mercies ; which are from everlasting, and will 
endure for ever upon all, who with their whole 
heart seek Thee and desire to love Thee. 

And, of Thy wonted tenderness, restore to 
me the grace of Thy comfort, for which above 
all things I yearn ; and, after the death of my 



Meditations on the Life of Christ 257 

body, show to me the saving joy of Thy coun- 
tenance. Amen. 



CHAPTER IV. 

ON THE EXEMPLARY GRACES AND PRIVILEGES 
OF THE BLESSED MARY MAGDALEXE. 

I BLESS and give Thee thanks, O Lord Jesu 
Christ, Thou heavenly Physician, Who, 
for the healing of our souls, didst come into 
this world to save sinners, and through repent- 
ance lovingly to restore them to Thy kingdom 
above. 

Thou, who didst deign to be born of Mary a 
virgin, didst not disdain to be touched, washed, 
wiped, anointed, and kissed by Mary, a sinner, 
coming a weeping penitent to Thee, 

O gentle Jesus, Son of the living God, merci- 
ful Saviour of the world, many and great priv- 
ileges didst Thou, in this life, compassionately 
bestow on the blessed Mary Magdalene. 

For, when she had cast aside all the vanities 
of the world, and become entirely converted to 
Thee, Thou didst in pity accept her penitence, 
fully pardon all her sins, and absolve the sad 
mourner from all punishment. 

Thou didst breathe into her heart great con- 



258 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

trition, and, lest she should despair. Thou didst 
in her grief pour upon her the comfort of Thy 
grace, inflame her soul with the fire of the Com- 
forter, and inwardly renew her with the sweet- 
ness of Thy love. 

Thou didst bid her go in peace with good 
courage ; Thou didst warn her not to return to 
her former sins ; and didst urge her to continue 
steadily in holy conversation, and in sweet 
prayer. 

Never didst Thou speak a severe word to her, 
nor reproach her with the least sin ; never didst 
Thou reveal to any one the evil she had com- 
mitted ; nay, Thou didst rather excuse her, and 
set forth the good she had done, as an example 
for a holy life. 

When invited to the house of Simon the 
leper, Thou wast more pleased with the tears 
of Mary, than Thou wast gratified with the 
hospitality of the Pharisee. 

When she would touch Thee, Thou wast not 
indignant ; when she would anoint Thee, Thou 
didst not spurn her. 

Thou presentedst Thy feet to her, Thou didst 
incline Thine head, Thou didst not refuse her 
kisses. 

With Thy mouth Thou didst bless her, with 
Thy hand Thou didst sanctify her, with Thy 
touch Thou didst cleanse her, and with one 



Meditations on the Life of Christ 259 

short sentence Thou didst heal the sufferer, 
saying, u Thy faith hath saved thee, go in 
peace." 

O sweet utterance, coming from the mouth 
of God, full of grace and compassion, ever to 
be gratefully remembered. 

Thou wast wont to visit the house of Mary 
and Martha, Thy hospitable friends, in Bethany, 
their village. There, being joyfully received, 
Thou didst lodge and find rest. 

There Thou didst eat and drink whatever 
was placed before Thee and Thy disciples, food 
fitted for the poor and needy, who have but a 
few farthings in the world. No confusion was 
there, no noise, no foolish jesting, no light 
laughter, no vain word was heard. 

There, with great reverence and due order, 
Thou didst sit at the table as the lowly Master. 
As a poor man Thou didst eat together with 
the poor. 

There Thou wast Eeader of the Refection 
and Doctor of Divinity, and in place of wine, 
Thou didst pledge Thy beloved friends with 
the words of eternal Life. 

There Thou didst in Thy wisdom instruct 
Martha, who was ministering to Thee; and 
didst graciously excuse Mary, who was sweet- 
ly at leisure, listening diligently to the words 
of Thy mouth. Thou didst, when her sister 



260 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

complained of her indolence, meetly commend 
Mary's life of deep contemplation. 

And when Judas, the traitor, murmured con- 
cerning the ointment poured out on Thee, Thou 
didst justly defend Mary. She was herself 
modestly silent, but Thou didst, on her behalf, 
forthwith reply to the objections, setting forth 
her good deeds — not one word didst Thou say 
of her f ailings. 

When Mary wept over her brother Lazarus, 
lying dead in the grave, Thou didst weep with 
her. So deeply didst Thou mourn with Thy 
afflicted friends, that many said, " Behold ! 
how He loved him." 

O how high was the character and upright 
the bearing of this said Lazarus; whom Jesus 
loved when he was alive, raised again when he 
was dead, and supped with when life had been 
restored ! 

O gracious Jesus, Author and Rewarder of 
all good, Thou didst not forget the faithful ser- 
vices, so often rendered Thee in the house of 
Mary and Martha. Small benefits Thou didst 
repay by great; for bodily aid Thou gavest 
spiritual blessings; for that which is passing 
away, Thou didst bestow that which is eternal. 

What shall I say more ? No one can easily 
tell forth or comprehend all Thy mercies vouch- 
safed unto men ; neither can any one suffi- 



Meditations on the Life of Christ, 261 

ciently discern the signs and miracles which 
Thou didst in Galilee, in Nazareth, in Bethany, 
in Jerusalem, in JudaBa, and in all the region of 
the Holy Land — wondrous acts, wrought before 
Thy disciples and all the people, in testimony 
of the truth ; that, from Thy words and all Thy 
deeds marvellous and divine, they might believe 
in Thee. For, verily, Thou art Christ, the Son 
of God, Who came into this world for the sal- 
vation of men. 

O how sublime in the heavens ! how lowly 
on earth ! how holy and humble to men when 
Thou didst heal them ! how severe and awful 
to devils when cast out by Thee ! 

O how merciful to penitents ! how severe to 
evildoers ! how compassionate to the afflicted ! 
how generous to the needy! how comforting 
to those who mourn ! 

Who, under all circumstances, is so faithful 
a friend, who so powerful a helper in every 
trouble, as Thou, our God? 

O how great the joy which Thou didst cause 
to these sisters, when Thou didst cry aloud, 
" Lazarus, come forth ! " And immediately, in 
obedience to Thee, the Lord of life and death, 
he, who had been dead, came forth. 

Then didst Thou say to Thy disciples, as to 
Thine appointed ministers of souls, " Loose 
him, and let him go." 



262 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

O that Thou, O Lord, wouldest also vouch- 
safe to absolve me from all the bonds of my 
sins, that I may die in peace, and joyfully come 
to Thee ; with the holy Angels, and with Mary 
and Martha, to praise Thee, and to be free from 
all sin for ever. Amen. 



CHAPTER V. 

ON THE GREAT COMPUNCTION OP MARY MAGDA- 
LENE IN THE PASSION OF THE LORD. 

ETERNAL praise and glory be to Thee, O 
most loving Jesus Christ, for the very 
great sanctity of Mary Magdalene, and her de- 
vout lamentation at Thy sacred and bitter Pas- 
sion. It did not suffice her to attend on Thee 
only in Thy lifetime — to follow Thee through 
towns and villages, that she might see the signs 
and miracles which, worthy of all praise and hon- 
or, were wrought by Thy divine power ; but she 
also constantly and sorrowfully followed Thee in 
Thy Passion, even to Thy death upon the Cross. 
She was with the holy Mary, Thy Mother, 
and with many other devout and holy women, 
who grieved for Thee and most bitterly wept 
on the way, because of Thine innocent Death, 
and Thy most grievous Crucifixion. 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 263 

Therefore, as long as she could see Thee, she 
followed the Cross, weeping, moaning, sorrow- 
ing, watching Thy footsteps, wringing her 
hands, beating her breast, and wiping her eyes, 
while floods of tears poured down her cheeks. 

For she perceived that nothing more loving 
could she do, no better help could she offer, 
than inwardly to grieve, all day and night bit- 
terly to weep, unceasingly to meditate on Thy 
sufferings. 

Because she deemed Thine every wound her 
own, and, by how much the more she loved 
Thee, bv so much the more vehementlv did she 
sorrow and weep. 

And, when she saw Thee naked and nailed 
to the Cross, she stood thereby with Thy 
Mother, as near as she dared approach ; and, 
though inwardly oppressed by grief unbounded, 
nothing in the world would induce her to leave 
it; until Thy Death most faithfully did she 
cleave to Thee and to Thy Mother. 

But when she saw Thee die on the Cross with 
a loud cry, her soul, oppressed by overwhelm- 
ing grief, sank within her. Her mouth refused 
all nourishment. Sleep vanished from her eyes. 
Tears were her sole comfort, and bitter, indeed, 
seemed it to continue in this world without 
Thee. 

Unless, therefore, she had fully submitted 



264 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

herself to Thy will, she could, after Thy depart- 
ure, hardly have remained with patience in the 
flesh. Her frequent lamentations showed, that, 
without Thy presence, this life had no pleasure 
whatever for her. 

But, O Mary, bear up yet, for a little season, 
in this hour of heavy necessity. For the love 
of thy Beloved hanging on the Cross, bear up 
with the Mother of Jesus and her kindred. 
Forsake her not ; quit not the side of the heart- 
rent Virgin Mother of Jesus, as though thou 
couldest no longer endure such sad mourning, 
and hear such cries of bitter lamentation. 

Sorrow with the sorrowing, and weep with 
them that weep • that thou may est rejoice with 
the joyful, in the glory of the Resurrection. 

O good and loving Jesus, Mary acted as 
Thou didst suggest. In accordance with Thy 
prediction and order, she reserved the ointment 
that remained to anoint Thy Body for burial. 

She did not forget Thy words, neither did she 
sell it as Judas advised. She carefully kept it 
in alabaster, bought yet more, and so made 
preparation for Thee. 

Truly in the hour of need, a friend is proved. 
It is the act of kindness that manifests true 
love. 

Therefore, this holy faithful Mary, as she 
loved Thee in life, so, at Thy Death and Burial, 



Meditations mi the Life of Christ 265 

she shows it by her deeds ; for deep was her 
lamentation and devoted her care. 

Nothing necessary for the dne burial of Thy 
holy Body did she omit. She swathed, anointed, 
covered, and bound it, and sewed together the 
linen clothes ; and, as a fitting ornament, rever- 
ently placed the napkin about Thy sacred Head. 

Meanwhile, she wept without ceasing ; find- 
ing her comfort in being permitted to wait on 
Thee, to attend Thy Mother with other devoted 
followers, and to see that all things about Thee 
were done decently and in order. 

Therefore, when Thy holy Body was buried, 
and closed in firmly by a stone duly sealed, 
there arose fresh sorrowing and wailing; as 
though henceforth Mary would not in this 
world see again One, with Whom she had once 
enjoyed so close an alliance of spiritual life and 

joy. 

Xor yet, when the tomb was closed, was she 
able forthwith to leave the place, in which lay 
hidden the treasure of the world. 

With many other devout women she sat till 
sunset weeping, until tears utterly failed them ; 
and loving lamentations abundantly poured 
thev forth from their inward hearts, as it is 
written of them, "The women, sitting before 
the Sepulchre, wept and sorrowed for their 
Lord." 



266 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

Would that I had such a sorrow, O Jesus 
Christ, my Lord, in meditating on Thy sacred 
Passion, as that endured by the devout Mary 
Magdalene, on the day of the Preparation; 
when she beheld Thy Crucifixion, Death, and 
Burial ; and saw Thee, by nearly all, despised, 
mocked, and reproached. 

But, thanks to Thee, O most patient Jesu, 
this false rumor concerning Thee continued 
not long; for, after three days, Thou didst 
overcome and confound Thine enemies, by ris- 
ing again freed from the dead. 

Truly, Lord, Thy word was fulfilled, which, 
in the presence of Thy disciples, Thou didst 
foretell of Mary Magdalene, in praise of her 
good work wrought on Thee, u Verily I say 
unto you, wheresoever this Gospel shall be 
preached throughout the whole world, there 
also shall this, which she hath done, be told for 
a memorial of her." 

Verily, Thy whole house is filled with the 
odor of the ointment, i.e., tile universal Church 
of the Faithful, widely spread throughout the 
world, is clearly imbued with apostolic doc- 
trines, and made steadfast in divine truth. 

For by Apostles and Evangelists is the fame 
of her great sanctity set forth, and therefore by 
Preachers and Doctors is it openly proclaimed. 
Moreover, by all the Clergy, and by laity of 



Meditations on the Life of Christ 267 

both sexes, is her glorious festival yearly hon- 
ored and celebrated in holy Church, with 
marked devotion. There is joy that her happy 
soul hath passed from this world to Thee, the 
Lord Jesus Christ, to dwell with Thee for ever 
in Thy eternal habitations. 



CHAPTER VI. 

ON THE APPEARANCE OF CHRIST TO ST. PETER 
IN SECRET, AND ON ST. PETER'S RUNNING 
WITH ST. JOHN. 

OLORD JESU CHRIST, Thou Chief 
Shepherd of Thy Holy Church, and our 
faithful High Priest Godward, I bless and give 
Thee thanks for Thy great love and unspeak- 
able pity, which Thou didst, in divers ways, 
show to Thy blessed Apostle Peter; for the 
divine converse which Thou didst hold with 
him; and for the secret visions which Thou 
didst so often manifest unto him. 

Nor didst Thou, after his thrice denying 
Thee, cast him away from Thy love ; but, out 
of Thy tender compassion, Thou didst forthwith 
bring back his heart to bitter weeping, and 
didst mercifully and fully pardon his every 
offence against Thee — yea, Thou didst of Thy 



268 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

clemency, after his heavy fall, lovingly restore 
him to his wonted high and honorable rank. 

Fountain of mercy and never failing 
stream of heavenly gifts, cleansing the penitent, 
and all who weep over their past sins ! O most 
tender bestower of pardon and giver of celestial 
grace ! O sweet Lord Jesu Christ, beloved by 
all Thy Saints and friends, the Elect from ever- 
lasting ; Thon who ceasest not to do good, but 
pourest forth blessings on all that flee to Thee 
for succor, and with hearty repentance humbly 
seek Thy forgiveness ! 

1 praise and specially honor Thee for Thy 
great goodness, in that this day Thou didst in 
some secret place, better known to Thee than 
to me, verily appear to Thy beloved Apostle St. 
Peter, for his special comfort, at that time so 
greatly needed by him. 

For he who had offended the most, the most 
stood in need of consolation and support ; and 
no better Comforter, no mightier helper can 
there be, than Thou, Jesus our Creator and Re- 
deemer. 

Therefore, O blessed Jesu Christ, the dis- 
cerner and restorer of all that are in tribula- 
tion, and have fallen into sin, I render Thee 
thanks for Thy timely succor of Peter, Thine 
erring sheep : lest, oppressed by excessive grief, 
he should despair of pardon; or, not having 



Meditations on the Life of Christ 269 

found Thy sacred Body in the Sepulchre, he 
should doubt Thy Resurrection. 

As a loving and wise Physician of afflicted 
souls, Thou didst send Thy holy Angel to en- 
courage Peter, and restore him to the hope of 
pardon. Thy messenger, tenderly speaking to 
the women, directed them thus to say to Peter, 
" Go quickly, and tell His disciples and Peter, 
that Jesus is risen." 

O good and holy Angel, lest Peter should 
despair on account of his thrice denying Christ, 
how well and rightly didst thou especially call 
him by his familiar name, given him first by 
his Lord, when summoned to the dignity and 
office of an Apostle ! 

For hearing himself named by the Angel, 
and kindly greeted by the holy women, he be- 
came more cheerful in mind. With confidence 
renewed, and forgetting all labor and sorrow, 
swiftly he ran with John to the place of burial. 

But when he saw all things so done by the 
Lord as had been declared to him by the 
women, and also by the holy Angel, who de- 
ceives not, but is a witness of the truth, and a 
faithful herald of the Resurrection accom- 
plished, there at once revived in him a hope of 
life — a firm assurance of eternal salvation. 

Therefore, inwardly full of wonder and 
greatly rejoicing in the Lord. Peter longed also 



270 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

to see Jesus, that He would appear unto him, as 
at first He appeared to Mary Magdalene. 

" Let her be first among women, sufficient for 
me to be second or third among men, or the 
last among His Apostles and Disciples. Yet, 
be it unto me as to Himself seemeth meet and 
right, according to His good pleasure, for the 
salvation of my soul. 

"I ardently desire to see my Lord, that I 
may be perfectly reconciled to Him, and com- 
forted by the words of His mouth. i Let Thy 
tender mercies come unto me, O Lord, that I 
may live/ and let me never again rely on my 
own strength. 

" Remember, I beseech Thee, all Thy loving- 
kindness, and the holy supplication which Thou 
didst make to the Father for me, and, also, 
Thy prayer on the Cross for sinners. 

" Come, O gentle Jesus, tarry not. Thou art 
my hope, and the alone salvation of my soul. 
Show Thyself to me, and I shall be safe — 
greater will be my joy, in that I saw Thee on 
this holy day of the Passover.' 7 

And so it came to pass ; Jesus assented to 
the pious desires of His beloved Apostle Peter. 
For the tender and compassionate Saviour was 
soon present with one, who so zealously sought 
for Him. 

And, therefore, He received the weeping 



Meditations on the Life of Christ 271 

penitent back to His bosom, graciously blotting 
out all the offences against Himself, so cow- 
ardly committed in the night season. 

Jesus, moreover, further instructing the 
Apostle, influenced him, the more fully, to a 
bold confession, and a perpetual love of His 
holy Name. 

O boundless love of Christ, full of celestial 
sweetness, to be celebrated with all praise, and 
told forth for ever to all the faithful, lest any 
fallen one should despair of pardon ; or having 
been made whole, should rashly presume on 
grace poured down on him abundantly from 
heaven. 

vast example of compassion, this day 
openly shown by the Lord to St. Peter! 
Whereat Angels rejoice, Archangels are glad, 
the lost take hope, and the slothful are aroused : 
yea, all faithful people unite with one heart to 
praise God for the mercy of the Lord, and es- 
pecially for His tenderness towards the blessed 
Peter, now fully confirmed in the faith of 
Christ. 

how gracious and friendly a colloquy Jesus 
then had with Peter, when he received the kiss 
of peace. How joyous and calm, in the mean- 
while, was the heart of the Apostle, when he 
gazed on and heard the comforting words of 
the risen Christ, his most loving Master. 



272 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

And now, O benign Jesus, remember me a 
poor unworthy sinner, in the time of my trouble 
and desolation. After my sad exile in this 
world render to me, when about to depart from 
the body, a ready help; and grant me safe 
guardianship to the Courts of Heaven. 

Open to me, by Thy Passion and Death, the 
gate of Paradise; promised to all penitents, 
until time shall be no more. Guard me from 
the snares of the ancient adversary, and rescue 
me, Thy pleading servant, from the punishment 
and darkness of hell. 

For to Thee have been given all the kingdoms 
of the world, and the keys of Heaven are Thine 
to open to those that knock at the gate of Life ; 
to all, who, at the last, heartily repent them of 
their sins, and turn to God with faith unfeigned. 
Amen. 



CHAPTER VII. 

A PRAYER TO OBTAIN FROM GOD THE GRACE 
OF TEARS. 

TURN thou, O my soul, to the Lord thy 
God, with all thy heart, with weeping 
and mourning; pray for the remission of all 
thy sins, and for pardon, in that thou hast, 
from the day of thy birth to this very hour, a 



Meditations an the Life of Christ. 273 

season granted thee by God, left undone so 
many good works, and neglected so many op- 
portunities. 

For lowly prayer and contrition of heart, 
tears and sighs for thy daily shortcomings, and 
for all who are afflicted, tempted, and oppressed, 
are well pleasing to God. 

Holy and blessed is it to pray to God for 
oneself, and for one's neighbor; for, in this 
world, none are without sin — none without 
danger. 

In this our exile we have grief and many a 
sorrow ; in hell is a fire, that is never quenched, 
and punishment that ceaseth not. True peace 
and rest eternal are found in heaven alone. 

Therefore, O Lord God, for all my past mis- 
doings, in every circumstance and failing that 
has befallen me, with heart, word, and deed, to 
Thee I pray, and will pray continually. 

Receive my lamentations, offered with a pure 
purpose, and full desire of immediate amend- 
ment. Suffer me, in this my pilgrimage, by an 
entire resignation of myself, and giving up all 
that is of this world, to secure now Thy favor 
and the pardon of all my sins, through the 
merits and mediation of Thy Son, our Lord 
and Saviour, Jesus Christ. 

O that I may follow the example of Thy 
Saints, shunning all idle talking on worldly 



274 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

matters — all fellowship with ribaldry and lev- 
ity! 

Jesus prayed on the mountain, watched dur- 
ing the night season, ofttimes wept, never 
vainly laughed, nor uttered a light word. 

When accused before the Governor, He was 
silent ; when He spake, it was with gentleness ; 
and in answering, even the wicked, He was 
ever kind. 

Mary the Mother of Jesus also prayed often, 
wept most bitterly at His Passion, sorrowed 
grievously, endured patiently. Outwardly she 
was bashful, inwardly calm and quiet. 

Mary Magdalene wept bitterly, bewailing her 
sins ; most lovingly she wept, in thankfulness 
for mercies; very abundantly, in compassion 
for the sufferings of Jesus ; most fervently, in 
contemplating the joys of Heaven. 

St. Peter also wept, with deep sorrow at 
heart, when thrice in the night he heard the 
crowing of the cock, and remembered how he 
had denied Christ his Master. For, through 
the sudden answer, proceeding from his frailty, 
arose a long lamentation of his crime, and a 
deep compassion for the misery of his Brethren. 

St. Paul also wept bitterly for his former 
error, when he persecuted the holy Church; 
and also for the excesses and falls of others, 
who, touching ordinances and usages, were un- 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 275 

faithful. His desire was to bring all to the 
true faith, and contrition for their sins — to win 
them to the fervor of a holy life and conversa- 
tion, and a steady walk in the footsteps of 
Christ. 

St. John, the Apostle, also wept bitterly at 
the Passion of Christ. He was ever close to 
the Cross with Mary the Mother of Jesus, con- 
doling and upholding her. He wept also for 
the errors of many, and through the ardor of 
his charity towards the lukewarm. He wept 
also for a certain youth, who was given up to 
the pleasures of the world. Through many 
tears that sinner was restored and cleansed. 

Our holy Father, Augustine, wept very bit- 
terly for his past worldliness, as he humbly 
confesses in his writings. An example to all 
converted to God, that, to increase their humil- 
ity, they should with sorrow meditate on the 
sins they have confessed; and so, by God's 
help, never repeat them. For all past misdo- 
ings daily should they mourn, weep, and pray. 

The same holy and devout Father poured 
forth his weeping, when hymns, and psalms, 
and divine songs were echoing through the 
house of God. The more readily he turned his 
mind from things earthly, the more ardently 
was he drawn upwards to things heavenly. 

For his manner of life was to lament over 



276 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

the adversity of others ; and to rejoice in their 
salvation — to soothe the af&icted with the 
honey of charity, and ever to help the needy. 

There are also very many other examples of 
holy men and devout women, who have received 
special grace from God, for the pouring forth 
of sacred tears. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

ON THE ADVANTAGE AND GRACE OF HOLY 

TEARS. 



H 



OLY and devout tears repress the vio- 
lence of the flesh, quench the fires of 
discord, cleanse the vicious appetite, take away 
the pride of the eyes, shun vain speaking, seek 
privacy, love silence, secure the fruits of prayer. 

They drive away idleness, that enemy of the 
soul, destroy falsehood, jesting, and laughter. 
They calmly consider the hour of death, the 
terror of judgment, and the pains of hell. 

They break the snares of the devil, overcome 
the world's tumult, and lead the mourner to 
the kingdom of Heaven. They blot out past 
transgressions and recover lost blessings. 

They teach us to shun dangers, to be much 
in retirement, to read holy books, to write well, 
and to pray often. They preserve the penitent 



Meditations on the Life of Christ 277 

in grace, and gladden the devout with the hope 
of eternal glory. 

O that I could more frequently experience 
this grace of tears, guard it more carefully; 
when lost, regain it by penitence, and so seek- 
ing speedily find it. 

He, who desires to have and hold this gift, 
should look closely into his evil ways, heartily 
thank God for His blessings, and bend before 
Him in profound lowliness. 

This is a task hard and grievous, yet most 
useful to the doer thereof, and in the end com- 
forting indeed to the dying. 

Blessed, therefore, are they who, sorrowing 
for their sins, oft-times mourn ; for, in due time 
being comforted, they shall rejoice with the 
Angels for ever. 



CHAPTER IX. 

ON THE TEARS OF JESUS OVER LAZARUS. 

O GRACIOUS and sacred tears of my Lord 
Jesu Christ, shed in compassion so lov- 
ingly and abundantly at the death and raising 
of Lazarus, with Mary and Martha, and their 
friends, and mourning Jews ; succor my with- 
ered heart, soften the hardness of my breast, 
and especially at the place and time of prayer 



278 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

and meditation ; that I may deeply lament me 
of my sins ; and in thought, word, and deed be 
cleansed from all my iniquities, whether se- 
cretly or openly committed, for heavily do they 
oppress me. 

For day and night, morning and evening, do 
I grieve over my sins, O Lord, as often as I 
call them to mind, and Thy loving-kindness j 
which Thou hast so pitifully and so frequently 
bestowed on me and all mankind. Amen. 



ON THE TEARS OF JESUS OVER JERUSALEM. 

O loving and holy tears of my Lord Jesus 
Christ, copiously shed from streaming eyes, out 
of tender compassion for the overthrow and 
destruction of Jerusalem — that faithless city. 
Unavailing possibly to infidels, yet to me, and 
to all believers, and to the devout, very accept- 
able are they, and truly lovely. 

I, therefore, a man slothful and full of mis- 
ery, humbly pray Thee : — Let those tears fall 
upon me abundantly, and cleanse thoroughly 
the face of my soul, defiled by the many evils 
of my whole life, from all the foulness of sin : 
that, made pure within, I may be deemed 
worthy, with the holy Angels, to behold in 
Heaven the glorious face of the Father. 

O may I, when the sorrows of this life are 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 279 

over, be counted meet to receive abundant 
mercy at the hands of the just Judge, my Lord 
Jesus Christ ; and, through His sacred Passion 
and Death, may also, after the general Resurrec- 
tion of the dead, be admitted, with the Elect, 
into the heavenly Jerusalem. Amen. 

O blessed Jesus ! let Thy tears wash not only 
my feet, which I have so often polluted when 
carrying into action my evil thoughts and im- 
pure affections, but both my feet and my head 
— that is, mv evil words and works : thus shall 
I have remission of all my sins, that I have day 
by day committed. 

O most loving Saviour ! uphold my soul in the 
last hour of my life, and come in the multitude 
of Thy loving-kindnesses, and defend me from 
the terrors of the enemy, and the pains of hell. 

And do Thou, O heavenly Father, remember 
the most precious Blood and Death of Thine 
innocent Son, Jesu Christ ; who, for me a sin- 
ner, endured the Cross and was pierced by the 
cruel spear. Remember, I pray Thee, the tears 
that He shed, and have mercy upon me in my 
last moments, when I breathe out my soul to 
Thee. 

As often as I think of the tears of Christ, 
and reflect on the weeping and sorrowing of 
the Saints of old, well may I be inwardly con- 
founded and greatly ashamed before God. I 



280 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

proclaim myself worthy of many stripes and 
reproofs, and am at my wits' end. For I am a 
leprous sinner, and lament not ; wounded, and 
grieve not ; full of sores, and groan not ; pol- 
luted, and wash not ; poisoned, and I seek no 
remedy ; weak and helpless, and I look not to 
the great Physician for timely aid. 

Woe is me ! that I am not so quickly moved 
to tears by the words and doings of Jesus, as I 
am stirred to laughter by the tales of men. 

Daily do I sin, and every moment, in some 
way, I am an offender. What I propose doing, 
that I neglect, yet can I be merry. 

Woe is me ! that I do not with Mary Mag- 
dalene east myself down at the feet of Jesus, 
and with a broken heart weep, that I may with 
her find pardon. 

O blessed Jesus ! remember me in this my 
hour of trial, and plead for me, so long as I 
dwell in this frail body and in so many things 
offend. 

Woe is me ! that I weep not with St. Peter 
in the choir or in some secret place, when I 
hear the cock in public crow aloud. The very 
birds of the field should move me to rise early 
from my bed, and seek pardon for the negli- 
gences and offences, that night and day I have 
committed. 

Woq is me ! that, with blessed Paul, I do not 



Meditations on the Life of Christ 281 

ever lament and weep over my many wick- 
ednesses, wilfully or ignorantly done by me. 
Surely I ought ever duly to grieve over them 
and sigh and pray; and, when troubles and 
adversities assail me, patiently and piously 
should I bear them. 

Woe is me ! that I have not the purity of 
St. John the Apostle, and that I care not to 
secure it. I grieve not so much over my own 
uncleanness, as he sorrowed and wept over the 
sins of others. 

O holy and blessed Saviour ! with an humble 
voice and penitent spirit I beseech Thee, stand 
by me in this troublesome lif e, and through the 
perils of death ; that, in the conflict, the cruel 
enemy may not prevail against me. Having 
no trust in myself may I be strong in faith, 
with a full confidence in the Passion of Christ 
my Redeemer. 

O gracious Jesu ! Would that I were able 
to collect into a fountain all Thy tears, warmed 
by the fire of Thy Holy Spirit, and to bathe my 
soul therein ; to wash away all the spots of my 
past and daily sins, earnestly deploring and 
bewailing them ; and so to cleanse, purify, and 
refresh it : that therein, as in the Baptismal 
Font and in the waters of Jordan, I might be 
born again, restored, and created anew. 

Being then purely washed and purged from 



282 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

all my sins, may I now, while here on earth, 
find compassion and mercy ; and at my death 
may I with Thy Saints obtain eternal glory, 
through Thee, O Jesu Christ, who with the 
Father and the Holy Ghost, livest and reignest, 
ever one God, world without end. Amen. 



CHAPTER X. 

ON THE APPEARANCE OF CHRIST, UNDER THE 
FORM OF A STRANGER, TO TWO DISCIPLES GO- 
ING TO EMMAUS. 

OLORD JESU CHRIST, the Way, the 
Truth, and the Life, our Salvation and 
Redemption, I bless and thank Thee, that Thou 
didst graciously appear as a stranger to two of 
Thy disciples, as they were walking on their way. 
Garbed wast Thou as a traveller unknown to 
them. This Thou didst, that Thou mightest 
bring back erring sheep to the heavenly Jerusa- 
lem, and, by Thy loving visit, instruct them fully. 
O friendly act indeed, that Thou didst draw 
near and go with them on their journey, for 
sadly did Thy Passion depress them. They 
talked together not of wars and the vanities of 
this world, but of Thy good deeds, Thy holy 
words, and Thy miracles. 



Meditations on the Life of Christ 283 

But, as they were still doubtful of Thy Resur- 
rection that had already taken place, and in no 
way satisfied with the story of others and the 
vision of the Angels, they remained sorrow- 
stricken, until the truth should be more clearly 
made known to them. 

And who could better teach them, better 
clear away their doubts, than Thou, O Jesu, 
good Master, the Way, the Truth, and the Life ; 
by openly showing Thyself to them, and giving 
them a well-known token in the Breaking of 
Bread ? 

And so it came to pass. For presently, on 
drawing near and going with them, Thou didst 
inquire of them the cause of so much sadness 
— what it was that grieved them \ as if Thou 
wert a stranger, and knew nothing thereof, 
saying : — " What communications are these 
which ye have one with another, as ye walk and 
are sad ? " 

I praise Thee, therefore, and highly glorify 
Thy sweet Name, for Thy friendly converse 
with these two disciples; who, on their waj^, 
were very sad at heart, and perplexed by all 
that had happened in Thy Passion and sentence 
to Death. 

Thou didst, by proofs and examples relating 
to Thyself, taken from Holy Scripture as set 
forth in the Psalms, the Law, and the Prophets, 



284 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

greatly comfort and most seasonably instruct 
them. 

I land and heartily thank Thee, O most 
worthy Jesu, for the various passages then 
brought forward, expounded, and clearly ex- 
plained by Thee • which before were obscure, 
concealed beneath sundry figures, and by few 
indeed understood. 

I bless Thee, O Holy of Holies, the most 
Holy Jesu Christ, Teacher of teachers, and 
Master of all laws and decrees, who aforetime 
didst open the mouths of the Prophets, that 
now Thou Thyself deignedst to make known, 
to the little ones and the unlearned, the hidden 
things of the Scriptures — inviting them to be- 
lieve Thee in Thy every word and deed. 

O how were their faces filled with joy whilst 
Thou wast speaking ! As Thou didst draw 
aside the veil from the Divine records, with 
what love were their cold hearts inflamed, for 
among lawgivers and interpreters of mysteries 
there is none like unto Thee. 

O how didst Thou lighten their journey, hov/ 
joyful the moments, how pleasant the day, even 
unto its close, when Thou didst enter their 
house, and they set meat before Thee ! 

O how earnestly did they invite Thee to sup 
with them, for fain would they have learnt 
more and more from Thee, all the nig'ht 






Meditations on the Life of Christ. 285 

through ! And why ? Because never on earth 
did man speak so excellently as spake this 
Stranger. 

" No Prophet, King, Priest, or Levite ; no 
one of the sons and disciples of the Prophets, 
who wrought wonders and taught the precious 
things of heaven, no Saint, yea, not all the 
Angelic Host can, in teaching, be compared to 
Thee, O Stranger. 

"And, therefore, we pray Thee, O Lord, abide 
with us. It is late ; extend not Thy journey, 
for it is toward evening and the day is far 
spent. Speak yet more unto us, for we are not 
weary or drowsy ; gladly do we listen to Thee, 
we verily long to do according to Thy will. 

" For Thy words are sweeter to us than honey 
and the honey-comb ; more precious are they 
than gold and silver ; all things that the world 
so longs for are, in comparison of them, of little 
worth." 

O that I had then been present, and gone 
secretly with Jesus by His side ; or had been 
behind Him, carefully attending to all the 
words of my Lord and Saviour Christ, and had 
diligently hidden in my heart all that I had 
heard ; so that I might after often have medi- 
tated thereon ! Then should I have had help 
to go on heavenward, avoiding all vain converse 
with men likely to harm me. 



286 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

But what I am not permitted to enjoy in the 
body with Thee, O Lord, grant that I may 
spiritually pursue the same either in retirement, 
at my meals, in my time for recreation, or in 
my hours of labor ; that, whether alone or with 
my companions, I may have Thee ever before 
mine eyes as truly present and discerning all 
things : walking with me in the way, and breath- 
ing into me a life of holiness. Who livest and 
reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost 
now and for ever. Amen. 



CHAPTER XI. 

ON THE RECOGNITION OF CHRIST IN THE 
BREAKING OF BREAD. 

OLORB JESU CHRIST, Thou Bread of 
Life, sweet Gi-uest of my soul, and 
Heavenly Griver of grace, I bless and thank 
Thee for Thy marvellous condescension, and 
for sharing the friendly feast, with Thy two 
disciples in their dwelling. 

Very affectionately they invited Thee to enter 
their home ; with prayers they besought Thee ; 
they, verily, with their hands drew and con- 
strained Thee ? unwilling without Thee to enter, 
sit down, and eat. 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 287 

Therefore, O meek and gracious Lord, yield- 
ing to their pressing entreaties, Thou didst 
enter with them to sup and hold sweet converse 
concerning the food of souls, prepared by- 
Angels in the heavenly mansion. 

And, when seated at table with them, not yet 
fully kno^n by them, Thou didst, in Thy usual 
manner, take into Thy holy hands bread from 
the table ; and raising Thy right hand, Thou 
didst bless the bread with Thy sacred mouth, 
as Thou wast wont to do in the presence of Thy 
disciples, when they sat at meat with Thee. 

And then, first breaking off a part and eat- 
ing, Thou didst, with outstretched arm, joy- 
fully give a portion to them, as to beloved 
friends. 

And straightway their eyes were opened, Thy 
divine power being known of them in Breaking 
of Bread, lovingly dispensed to them with new 
gladness as a mark of Thy friendship. 

O how joyful the supper, when bread, blessed 
by the hand of the Lord, had been tasted and 
eaten ! How blessed indeed, the eyes which 
perceived the Lord in the Breaking of Bread, 
blessed by the mouth of God ! 

But alas ! how brief the stay, when the season 
was so delightful, and the supper so sweet. 
"And He vanished out of their sight," 

" O the change of the right hand of the most 



288 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

High God/' here a little, there a little ! For 
under heaven there is nothing durable; only 
with the Saints in heaven is there true and 
eternal joy. 

" Whither goest Thou then, O Lord? Why 
dost Thou retire so quickly, and leave these 
Thy disciples desolate ? " " Do not marvel, fret 
not. I know wha/t I have done ; I know well 
what I am about to do. I have yet other sheep 
to visit, to comfort, and strengthen in the faith. 
They are waiting for Me and greatly do they 
long to see Me. 

"I go therefore to them according to My 
promise ; that they may see Me and rejoice ; 
and in no wise doubt concerning My words. 

" I will show them My wounds ; that, having 
seen those well-known marks, they may firmly 
believe Me, and not vainly cleave to human 
reasonings, nor gainsay My power. For all 
things are possible to Me, the very elements 
obey My behest." 

O sweet Jesus ! I laud and give Thee glory 
for all Thy deeds, and gracious words, and ap- 
pearances, to Thy disciples, scattered in divers 
places. Thou wast unwilling to leave them 
comfortless, for ofttimes they sorrowed and 
wept for Thee. 

For they ever loved Thee tenderly ; their de- 
light was in seeing Thy face, in talking with 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 289 

Thee, in walking with Thee, in sailing with 
Thee, in lodging with Thee, in eating and 
drinking with Thee, in watching and praying 
with Thee, in lying down with Thee, in rising 
up with Thee, and in readily obeying the words 
of Thy mouth. 

And when Thou didst pass through the corn 
fields on the Sabbath day, they, fasting and 
with feet all bare, cheerfully followed Thee. 
And, being pressed by hunger, they plucked a 
few ears of corn, as was lawfully allowed them. 

Fain would I now meditate on, and carefully 
examine these things ; which are to my shame 
and grief, but to the praise and honor of Thee, 
O good Jesus, and of Thy disciples. 

Whom Thou didst exhort, as stated by St. 
Mark, to take a little rest, when they were 
weary through the toil and wear of their long 
journey. 

For, as a hen gathereth her chickens under 
her wings to shelter them from the cold and 
rain, and heat; and to protect them from 
pounce of kite or bite of dog ; so didst Thou 
gather together Thy little ones, the humble in 
heart, who, while despised by the world, are 
beloved of Thee, saying to them : " Gome ye 
apart to a desert place, where the vanities of 
life shall not be seen by you, nor any distract- 
ing cry heard by you. There rest awhile in 



290 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

holy meditation, banishing from you all earthly 
follies.^ 

And now, O most loving Jesus, Thou Visitor 
of the sick and Comforter of poor strangers 
driven from the joys of Paradise, visit me also 
in the day of my trouble and disquietude; 
whether I am sitting idly in my chamber, or 
singing in the choir with an arid heart, or, 
when at meals, rashly indulging in savory food ; 
and by the sacred words of Thy mouth, ad- 
dressed to me as it were from heaven (sweeter 
far than any bodily pleasure), restore me, I 
pray Thee, speedily to spiritual delights. 

Open to me a clear understanding in the 
dark places of Holy Scripture, and, in the plain 
and devout teaching thereof, inflame my heart 
with the fire of love, as Thou didst with those 
two disciples, who were holily moved by Thy 
appearance and Thy discourse. Refreshed on 
the way by the Word of God and with meat, 
they thankfully said: "Did not our hearts 
burn within us while He talked with us by the 
way, and opened to us the Scriptures % " 

These words are most sweet and holy. With 
devout hearts and joyful voices they are said 
and sung in the choir, chiefly at Eastertide and 
Festivals of certain of the Saints, by Clerks and 
Priests, and by a great company of the Faith- 
ful in all lands, to the praise and glory of God. 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 291 

O most holy Jesu ! I pray Thee, during my 
pilgrimage here below, pardon my negligences, 
for still am 1 ofttimes vexed by my passions, 
from within and from without. Let me not be 
overcome by my ghostly enemies, nor deprived 
of the everlasting joys promised to Thy ser- 
vants in heaven. Those joys ought greatly to 
encourage me to fight manfully against the 
sinful inclinations and yearnings of my heart. 
With devout prayers and pious meditations on 
the Life and Passion of Christ, daily ought I to 
call to mind some particular one, at least, of Thy 
so many wounds and sorrows, O Lord Jesu, Who 
wast crucified for me. Thy wounds are the medi- 
cine of my soul. Thy sacred words are a golden 
shield against the fiery darts of the enemy. 

May Thy divine protection, with the grace 
of Thy Holy Spirit, be with me at all times, and 
in all places ! Amen. 



CHAPTER XII. 

ON THE APPEARANCE OF CHRIST TO THE DIS- 
CIPLES IN JERUSALEM, WHEN IT WAS LATE, 
AND THE DOORS WERE SHUT. 

OLORD JESU CHRIST, true Peace of 
the godly, Hope of the just, Joy of de- 
vout souls gathered together in one body, Com- 



292 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

f orter of the penitent, and Visitor of those who 
are apart from the world, I bless and give Thee 
thanks, for Thy glorions and marvellous ap- 
pearance to Thine Apostles, assembled, when 
it was now late, in an upper room. 

No one opened, no one knocked ; the doors 
and windows were all securely shut, for protec- 
tion of the house, and for fear of the Jews. 

This was done, that Thy appearance and en- 
trance might be seen, as truly and certainly the 
work alone of Divine power; not of human 
might and craftiness, nor by the artful wiles of 
the devil. 

For Thou art the true God. Thou deceivest 
not, but hatest and punishest deceivers. Thou 
art Omnipotent; therefore, whatever Thou 
wiliest, at once it cometh to pass. 

But the simple and devout, such as were the 
Apostles and other disciples, assembled at that 
hour in the inner chamber, them Thou didst 
visit, enlighten, comfort, and lovingly salute, 
saying : " Peace be unto you — It is I, be not 
afraid." 

I praise and honor Thee, for so sweetly and 
gently greeting them after their so great tribu- 
lation ; and I rejoice in Thee for so cheering a 
vision, after their grievous trouble and terror. 

For greatly needed they to have Thee again 
present with them, to comfort, strengthen, and 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 293 

uphold them. They had fallen into difficulties 
and trials so great, that never before, we may 
believe, had they experienced the like. 

They had fled as a flock of sheep, when the 
shepherd had been seized and slain. Scattered 
hither and thither, they mourned and were 
afraid ; and at length, when evening was come, 
they with difficulty gathered together in one 
place, and found rest for a season. 

O most gracious Jesus ! I praise and exalt 
Thy sweet Name above all in heaven and earth, 
because this day Thou didst vouchsafe to come 
to Thy Apostles, who in their terror had fled, 
disappointed and sorrowful* distrustful; and 
doubting Thy words, which Thou hadst afore- 
time so often spoken unto them. 

But now Thou hast made them inexpressibly 
happy, by addressing them as their Friend, and 
that with Thine own mouth. 

Forthwith Thou didst openly show to them 
the manifest marks of Thy Passion, in Thy 
hands, Thy feet, and Thy sacred side. Thou 
didst remove all their fear and distrust, when 
Thou didst eat before them honeycomb and a 
piece of broiled fish; and with Thy glorious 
hand didst give them of the same, that they 
might eat with Thee and rejoice. 

During refreshment of the body, Thou didst 
place before them portions of Holy Scripture. 



294 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

Thou didst remove doubts, make clear that 
which was dark, enlighten their understanding, 
and kindle their affections. Whatever was 
necessary and good for them, that Thou didst 
teach and reveal unto them. 

Moreover, when Thou hadst pronounced 
peace to them with the heavenly benediction, 
having seen their Lord, they rejoiced with ex- 
ceeding great joy. As formerly with the Wise 
Men, when they saw the Star in the heaven, all 
fear and doubt at once passed from them. 

And now, to strengthen them against all un- 
believing foes, and to blot out their transgres- 
sions; Thou didst breathe into them the grace 
of the Holy Spirit, saying : — 

" Receive ye the Holy Ghost" (the greatest 
of gifts to those, who, for My Name's sake, 
have left all things of this world) ; " Whose- 
soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto 
them ; and whose-soever sins ye retain, they 
are retained." 

how truly great the grace, given to the 
Apostles by the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, 
from the breathing of Christ, after He, through 
the Glory of the Father, had risen from the 
dead ! So that, not only they themselves were 
safe and absolved from all their sins, but were 
also invested with full power to absolve others, 
to reject the unworthy, and to bind the guilty. 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 295 

O how glorious the day, how peaceful that 
evening hour, when Christ came to the Apostles 
with such great glory and gladness, filling with 
heavenly blessings those, who remain apart 
from the world under the discipline of God ! 

O Thomas ! thou holy and beloved Apostle ! 
would that thou hadst now been here, and 
hadst remained with thy fellow Apostles, when 
Jesus came and said, " Peace be unto you." 
But perhaps some necessity compelled thy ab- 
sence. 

Would that thou hadst returned in good 
time, and, with the others, hadst heard and 
seen all the words and doings of Jesus. How 
well would it have been for thee to have been 
present, and believed. 

But who has known Thy mind, O Lord, or 
who has been Thy counsellor, that Thou should- 
est then come suddenly, when Thomas was 
away, and that, possibly, but for a little mo- 
ment? 

Why, good Jesus, didst Thou thus? Why 
not wait awhile till Thomas returned ? Where- 
fore, O loving Jesus ! didst Thou not say 
" Where is Thomas ? " he who so fervently called 
on his fellow disciples, " Let us also go, that we 
may die with Him." 

O holy God ! why didst not Thou send for 
him, that he might come quickly and see Thee ? 



296 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

Had I been present, how gladly would I, with 
Thy approval, have gone out and brought him 
to Thee. 

Did not Samuel, the Prophet, send and call 
David, who was feeding the sheep; that he 
might come, and, in the presence of his breth- 
ren, be anointed King. 

But now, O Lord, who, by Thy wisdom, hast 
made the heavens and the earth, I know full 
well and believe, that, with a true and right 
judgment, Thou didst allow all these things to 
happen. For nothing occurs on earth without 
a cause, though many are they who understand 
not Thy doings. 

Therefore, it was not by mere accident that 
Thomas was absent, when Thou earnest and 
didst appear to Thy disciples. 

No, but by Thy sure foreknowledge Thou 
didst purposely and graciously act thus, that 
great good might come therefrom. 

One doubted, that many might be established 
in the faith. One erred, was instructed, and 
set right, that a vast multitude might, by his 
conversion and preaching, attain to a more 
perfect knowledge of the truth. 

For he who doubts profits by inquiry, pro- 
vided he heeds the words of God's Saints, and 
persists not in his gainsaying. 

There are many things beyond the intellect 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 297 

of man, which cannot be easily attained by 
him, because of the vast height of the Divine 
Counsel. 

No one, therefore, when tried in the faith, 
should despair ; let him rather firmly rest on 
the words of Holy Scripture. For God, to en- 
courage a hope of Salvation, has left us many 
examples of Saints and great Doctors, who also 
doubted on various points. They returned to 
the truth, and profited many not a little. 

The Lord Jesus is gracious ; He despiseth no 
one; He thrusteth none aside; but he, who 
cometh to Him in singleness of heart, is taught 
by Him the true faith — never is he deceived. 

But what is too high should be committed to 
Him, who clearly discerns all hidden things; 
and all, that is unknown to men, He rightly 
and wisely sets in order. 

Therefore, let not the ignorant be troubled 
about matters between Jesus and His disciples ; 
nor let him be indignant with the holy Apostle, 
who was so slow to believe ; because, what hap- 
pened to him, by God's permission, might hap- 
pen to any other. 

And now, O most gentle Jesu Christ, Thou 
Visitor of the secluded, and Upholder of the 
timid, Instructor of young and those of full 
age, visit me also in my retirement from the 
world ; when I am alone studying and writing, 



298 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

or with others in Thy Courts singing and pray- 
ing. 

Open to me the gate of eternal Life ; lighten 
the darkness of my mind ; drive from me the 
evil spirits that tempt me ; cast from me the 
many idle thoughts that assail me. 

When the eyes of my body are closed, come 
unto me secretly, and, by Thy presence, pour 
into my heart peace and gladness ; and, to as- 
sure me of sins forgiven, show me in spirit Thy 
all-sacred wounds, endured for me upon the 
Cross, to redeem me from eternal death. Out 
of pure love didst Thou die for me, and rise 
again. Who with the Father and the Holy 
Ghost liveth and reigneth, one Grod, world with- 
out end. Amen. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

ON THE APPEARANCE OF CHRIST ON THE OC- 
TAVE OF THE FEAST OF EASTER, WHEN ST. 
THOMAS WAS PRESENT. 

OLORD JESU CHRIST, Author of life, 
Bestower of pardon, Thou that infusest 
grace, and promisest future glory in eternal 
bliss with Thy holy Angels, I bless and give 
Thee thauks for Thy gracious appearance a 
second time, to all Thy Apostles ; Thomas, Thy 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 299 

Apostle, as yet doubting, being now present. 
Adorned with the sacred marks of Thy five 
wounds, in memory of Thy most holy Passion 
for our Salvation, Thou didst, by the sight and 
touch of Thy glorious Body, strengthen him in 
a true and right faith. 

I praise and honor Thee for Thy joyful salu- 
tation, and for Thine openly showing Thyself 
with the heavenly benediction, blessing Thine 
Apostles with Thy holy mouth, and, with glad- 
dening countenance, saying unto them, " Peace 
be unto you, here and for ever." 

" Now indeed by faith and grace, but here- 
after by sight and by open vision. As the 
Father hath loved Me, so love I you. Continue 
ye in My love, hold fast to Me, and I will abide 
with you now and for ever." 

I honor and glorify Thee, O Jesu Christ, 
reverend Lord and Master, for Thy friendly 
announcement of peace, for Thy venerable 
standing in the midst of Thy disciples, and for 
Thy preserving them from fear of the Jews. 

For, as a good shepherd stands in the midst 
of his sheep, to defend them from devouring 
wolves, so didst Thou stand with Thine Apos- 
tles, in the day of trouble, strengthening them 
against evil, for the kingdom of Heaven's sake. 

And, as a mighty king and noble leader 
stands armed in the midst of his people, hold- 



300 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

ing a spear and shield to defend him against 
the darts of the enemy, and encourages his sol- 
diers to fight bravely — to conquer or die a 
noble death ; 

So O Jesu ! bravest Warrior against evil 
spirits and men perverse, so didst Thou present 
Thyself in the midst of Thy disciples, clothed 
with a robe of gladness, and the armor of im- 
mortality ; holding, as a proof of Thy being the 
very Crucified Jesus, the marks of Thy Passion, 
open piercings in the shield of Thy Body; 
marks with which Thou didst vanquish the 
princes of this world, and the rulers of utter 
darkness. Thus didst Thou strengthen the Apos- 
tles, Thy soldiers, in faith, hope, and charity. 

For, before they were utterly cast down. 
They had witnessed Thy Passion, Thy Cross, 
Thy Death — yea, and Thy Body buried in the 
firmly-closed tomb of stone. 

What man, having seen upon Thee so many 
bands and signs of death, would have believed 
that Thou couldest rise again? And, there- 
fore, lest Thy beloved disciples, who were not 
yet fully confirmed in the faith, should despair, 
Thou didst appear openly to them, with the 
marks of Thy sacred and glorious Body mi- 
raculously remaining on Thee ; in proof of Thy 
true Resurrection, that they might believe, and 
not doubt of Thy appearing. 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 301 

Thus didst Thou say unto them, " Handle Me 
and see, that I am the same Jesus Christ, who 
hung on the Cross for you, and, by power di- 
vine, rose again the third day, as I openly fore- 
told to you ; but ye did not then clearly under- 
stand. 

" Therefore, behold now My hands, and My 
feet, and My side ; and especially consider the 
five wounds of My Passion, to meditate on 
them day and night, and learn how great was 
My love for you, and how much I have endured 
for your eternal Salvation. 

" Peace be unto you, My friends, despisers 
of the world, for whom, when the many dan- 
gers of this present life have passed away, I 
have prepared the eternal joys of heaven with 
the holy Angels. Fear not, doubt not ■ I am 
your reward, your crown, and your blessing. 
Amen." 



A PRAYER TO OBTAIN THE PEACE OF MIND, 
WHICH CHRIST GAVE TO HIS DISCIPLES. 

OLORD JESU CHRIST, from whom 
floweth all that is sweet, King of heaven 
and earth, the true peace of hearts, and Com- 
forter of those who mourn, say, I pray Thee, 
unto my soul, troubled and desolate as Thou 
fully knowest it to be, " I am thy salvation, thy 



302 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

peace, thy life, thy comfort, thy hope, thy light t 
and thy rest. 

" In Me is all thy good, the true solace of 
the soul, every pleasant and unending joy. 
What more dost thou desire ? " 

Nothing Lord, Thee only do I desire ; Thee 
I seek, Thee I long for, Thee I dearly love. 
Thee, in all things and over all things, always 
and everywhere, I bless and praise. 

Thou rulest over all things in heaven and 
earth, in the sea, and in all great depths ; in 
the mountains and in the woods; and every 
creature, small and great, is known to Thee, 
and clear before Thee. 

In wisdom hast Thou made them all, and by 
Thy Providence are they all governed. 

O peace of God, O clear knowledge of my 
Creator, which passeth all reason, and the un- 
derstanding of men and angels ! when wilt 
Thou come unto me, when wilt Thou fill me 
within and without, that I may have nothing 
more to desire? 

O Lord God, my heart is disquieted, until it 
rest in Thee. My mind has no peace, until it 
be perfectly one with Thee in the Life eternal. 
O peace, how sweet and desirable is thy name 
in all the earth ! 

How joyful and how pleasant is thy voice in 
the heavenly country. O true, most excellent, 



Meditations on the Life of Christ 303 

everlasting peace with God, with the holy 
Angels, and with men of holy will. 

Grant me peace in my heart, O Lord, that I 
may fully love Thee. Grant me peace in my 
mouth, that I may devoutly praise Thee. 
Grant me peace in my hand, that I may ever 
do all good works to Thy honor. 

Say unto me, when I am in heaviness : — 
"Peace be unto thee, it is I, be not afraid." 
" Peace be unto thee," nothing more pleasant 
to hear. "It is I," nothing more pleasant to 
possess. " Be not afraid," nothing safer to re- 
joice in. " Lo, I am with you," nothing sweeter 
to enjoy. 

" Always, day by day, even unto the end of 
the world," nothing is surer, nothing firmer to 
be believed, if we would obtain Life eternal. 

Lord, whatever I have, whatever I see and 
desire, all is nothing without Thee. 

In Thee alone are all my blessings ; nothing 
better, nothing more perfect, nothing richer, 
nothing more happy. 

Therefore, all my hope, all that I possess, all 
my salvation, all my peace, is in Thee, O God, 
my Saviour ; and in no created good, however 
beautiful, noble and great. 

1 say, therefore, and with the holy and hum- 
ble Francis I pray, "My God and my all. I 
desire nothing more," 



304 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

If at any time I shall be in trouble, and be- 
reft of inward satisfaction and comfort, again 
I say and pray "My God and my all; I want 
nothing more." I desire nothing but Thee, my 
God, all in all, and over all, and before all, 
blessed for ever. 

O Lord, grant that I may meditate intently 
on these things, and ever devoutly accomplish 
them. Amen. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

ON THE TOUCHING OF THE SACRED WOUNDS OF 
CHRIST BY THE HAND OF ST. THOMAS THE 
APOSTLE, 

OLORD JESU CHRIST, Enlightener of 
the Faithful 7 mid the darkness of this 
world, I bless and thank Thee for Thy great 
compassion shown to Thine Apostle St. Thomas, 
for Thy special appearance to him, and for 
strengthening him in the faith of Thy Resur- 
rection ; that miracle, which surpasses all hu- 
man reason ; and is, save by faith and divine 
revelation to man, incomprehensible. 

Many marvellous works hast Thou done, O 
Lord God, from the beginning of the world ; 
and yet doest daily in heaven and in earth, 



Meditations on the Life of Christ, 305 

that Thou mayest declare the glory of Thy 
Name, 

Therefore, although these things cannot be 
fully comprehended and searched out by men, 
yet to Thee are they very easy. They are chiefly 
done and ordered for the salvation of the Elect. 

And, since this Thy beloved disciple did not 
wilfully hold to his opinion, nor had he, with 
any evil intent, declared that he would not be- 
lieve unless he saw and touched Thee, there- 
fore, did he obtain mercv and favor; so that 
he saw Thee openly with his eyes, and verily 
touched Thee reverently with his hand, that he 
might cease from all doubting, and strengthen 
the faint-hearted in the faith. 

Therefore, seeing Thy humanity, and in his 
heart believing the Divinity to be hidden in 
Thee, he with his mouth exclaimed, saying, 
with great devotion and full of faith, "My 
•Lord and my God." 

This I firmly believe, this I truly profess, this 
I openly declare, this I boldly preach, this I tell 
forth to all nations, and long to proclaim it to 
the ends of the earth — that all may believe in 
Thee and be saved. 

" My Lord and my Grod," " my Creator and 
my Redeemer." This is the true and sure 
faith, which leadeth believers to the kingdom 
of Heaven. 



306 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

how plentiful is Thy goodness, Lord, to 
Thy Saints and elect friends, which in this life, 
'mid its troubles and temptations, Thon dost 
often show them ; and giving them a fore-taste 
thereof — yea, by word and by example, Thou 
dost exhort them to go on and persevere. 

Sometimes Thou hidest Thyself, that they 
may mourn and seek Thee, and long to behold 
Thee. Thus is it they learn, by their falling 
and growing slothful, how weak they are ; thus 
have they no high thought of themselves^ nor 
attempt they lofty flights, far above their 
power. 

In due season Thou showest Thyself again, 
comforting, enlightening, and instructing the 
sorrowful; that, in the time of trouble, they 
may not despair, nor presume in the day of 
prosperity ; but consider themselves to be mor- 
tal men and sinners, ever needing the grace and 
mercy of G-od — not Angels established in glory. 

1 praise and highly extol Thy compassion 
and tenderness, that, offering peace and grant- 
ing forgiveness, Thou didst show Thyself gra- 
cious towards Thy holy Apostle Thomas, as he 
humbly and reverently knelt before Thee, earn- 
estly pleading for pardon. Thou didst exhibit 
to him Thy holy and glorious wound-prints ; of 
more worth than all the treasures of the world ; 
more precious than all jewels, more beautiful 






Meditations on the Life of Christ 307 

than all brilliant roses, more fragrant than ail 
spices and sweet-smelling flowers. 

These shine brighter far than all the glories 
of the heavens j they more fully rejoice the 
souls of the Saints ; they more ardently inflame 
the hearts of the Faithful; they more fre- 
quently soften the hardness of sinners; and 
draw from them very bitter tears of penitence. 

They stir up the slothful to increased prayer ; 
they lead the devout to salute Thee oftener; 
they urge the grateful to thank Thee more 
earnestly. 

Constantly meditating on the wounds of 
Christ, and tenderly picturing them, Thy most 
zealous servants have been pierced to the very 
depths of the soul, and wept bitterly ; clearly 
manifesting that they had been with Jesus. 

And even yet, those five wounds, that tell of 
the love of Jesus, often stir the hearts of the 
faithful, and move the penitent to tears ; when 
they behold Christ on the Cross, or hear 
preached the story of the Passion, or read and 
dwell thereon, to the praise of God. Amen. 

ON THE GREAT GRACE OF DEVOTION, AND THE 
FIRM FAITH OF THE APOSTLE ST. THOMAS. 

O how great the grace of devotion, which 
the holy Apostle Thomas obtained from the 



308 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

sight of Thy sacred wounds, my God ! even be- 
yond many Saints, who saw Thee living in the 
flesh, and believed on Thee after Thy Resurrec- 
tion. 

I therefore highly bless Thee and thank Thee, 
my Lord and my God, who, through the Apos- 
tles, hast taught me to believe aright, and to 
live justly 5 to confess the true faith without 
any doubting or dissimulation whatever. 

For Thou hast truly said : " Whosoever shall 
confess Me before men, him will I confess be- 
fore My Father." 

Grant, therefore, O Lord, that I may con- 
stantly speak the truth, and confess the right 
Faith, as did St. Thomas before Thee, in the 
presence of the Apostles, saying: "My Lord 
and my God." 

What is more clear, what more true, what 
more perfect, what more worthy of belief, than 
this confession? Of which the blessed John 
thus writes : " Thomas answered and said unto 
Him" (namely to Thee my Lord God), "my 
Lord and my God." 

For many of the Faithful have spoken to 
Thee, and called Thee by diverse holy Names, 
according to their faith and devotion ; and, in- 
deed, rightly and well in accordance with Thine 
unspeakable dignity; which, nevertheless, far 
exceeds the height and praise of every creature, 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 309 

and every title of dignity in heaven and in 
earth. 

Some, when praying to Thee, have said: 
" Jesus of Nazareth have mercy upon me"; 
some, "Thou Son of David"; some, "Good 
Master and Lord " ; some, " Rabbi or Eabboni " ; 
some, "Thou Teacher and Saviour of the 
world" ; some, " Thou great Prophet and King 
of Israel"; some, "Behold the Lamb of God," 
as John the Baptist ; some, " Thou art the Son 
of God," as "Nathanael ; some, "We have found 
the Messiah," as Andrew; some, "Thou art 
Christ, the Son of the Living God," as St. Peter 
and other Apostles ; all speaking by the revela- 
tion of the heavenly Father. 

And, in order that all the terms for desig- 
nating Thy Godhead, and the words of sacred 
praise, may be perfectly, briefly, and faithfully 
included in one, and be firmly believed, St. 
Thomas, enlightened and fully instructed by 
the Holy Spirit, and established in the faith by 
Thy presence, O Lord, said, openly and boldly 
to Thee, our Lord, with a loud voice: "My 
Lord and my God." 

In which words he briefly comprehends all 
that can be truly said and believed, touching 
Thy divine and human nature, to Thy praise, 
and the salvation of all Christians that believe 
in Thee, throughout the whole world. 



310 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

Grant me, O Lord my God, firmly to hold 
this holy Catholic faith ; that I may adorn and 
guard it by a holy life, and never in any way 
depart from the truth. Amen. 



CHAPTER XV. 

AN ADDRESS ON THE FIVE SACRED WOUNDS OF 

JESUS CHRIST. 

» 

OLORD JESU CHRIST, most loving Son 
of God, Thou who wast crucified for the 
salvation of the world, I bless and thank Thee 
for all Thy sorrows, and all Thy sacred wounds, 
the greater and lesser, which Thou didst lov- 
ingly and innocently endure to purge and ab- 
solve me from my sins ; and which, dying in 
true love and perfect obedience, Thou didst offer 
freely and willingly to Thy heavenly Father. 

More especially I praise and glorify Thee 
now, and will every day of my life, with the 
highest thanksgiving and blessing of my mouth, 
from the deepest affections of my heart, and 
with the sweetest remembrance of Thy mercies, 
for Thy very great and friendly condescension, 
and the openly manifesting Thy five sacred 
wounds ; 

Which, after Thy blessed and glorious Resur- 



Meditations on the Life of Christ . 311 

rection, Thou didst retain in Thy most holy 
and glorious Body ; and didst present to Thy 
disciples to see with their eyes ; and didst kindly 
and convincingly grant to St. Thomas, the 
Apostle, when doubting, to touch them with his 
hands, and so didst Thou establish him in the 
faith. 

And, as a sign of Thy perpetual love to them, 
and all Thy faithful people — those devoted to 
Thee throughout the world, Thou didst desire 
these things to be announced and published, 
that they may earnestly love Thee, and never 
cease rejoicing in Thy praise. 

Therefore, meet and profitable for me is it 
daily to call to mind Thy great love towards 
me ; that, as these Thy five sacred wounds re- 
mained in Thy glorious body (like new and 
ever-abiding openings in a shield) exceeding 
bright above all the stars of heaven ; so, also, 
may they remain ever fixed in my memory, and 
in the memory of all Thy faithful servants, on 
account of the innumerable benefits arising 
therefrom, and their power for warding off and 
blotting out the evils of this life j and especially 
for the eternal joys to be happily secured by 
them with Thee, O gracious Jesu. 

Praise, honor, power, glory, and victory be 
to Thee, O Lord, for Thy sacred wounds, by 
which Thou hast redeemed me, purged the 



312 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

world, spoiled hell, opened Paradise, illumi- 
nated Heaven, and caused the Angels to rejoice. 

And, that Thou mightest draw some wretched 
one to Thee, and reconcile him to the Father, 
and turn away God's anger, Thou, even when 
ascending into heaven, hast retained these 
sacred wounds ; and in order always to show 
Thy compassion on me, and all who believe on 
Thee, and grieve for their sins, Thou hast borne 
them with Thee to the right hand of the Father ; 
and, as a token of Thy victory over death, 
Thou dost present them to all the inhabitants 
of Heaven. 

O Jesu Christ, King of Glory, Thou astonish- 
ment and joy, Thou inestimable hope of be- 
lievers, Thou brightness of the Father, the 
honor of Thy Mother, the lustre of the Virgin, 
the flower of the field, the lily of the valley, the 
solace of the afflicted, the health of the sick, 
the joy of the devout, the blessedness of the 
Saints, the felicity of Angels ! 

Write, I beseech Thee, O Lord, these Thy 
sacred and precious wounds in my heart, with 
Thy precious Blood, that I may inwardly suffer 
with Thee, and love Thee above all things ; and 
bear most willingly a few reproaches out of 
love for Thy sweet and holy Name, which is to 
be highly blessed above every name of men 
and holy Angels, for ever and ever. 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 313 

In crimson forms and in circles of gold, 
paint these Thy wounds before my wandering 
eyes, that I may not behold nor think of the 
vanities of the world, nor give ear to rumors 
fitted to disquiet me, nor attend to those who 
speak to me of aught that relates not to Thee, 

Jesu, my Lord and my God. 

For vain are all things, which keep me from 
meditating on heavenly blessings, and from 
weeping over Thy sacred wounds. 

Fasten, therefore, Thy sacred nails to my feet 
as sharp spurs, that I may tread in Thy foot- 
steps on the rough road of bitterness and afflic- 
tion. Then shall I not be elated in prosperity, 
nor cast down when troubles assail me. 

Wound me in each foot, that I wander not 
further from Thee. In the left fix the nail of 
fear, that, dreading the future torments of hell, 

1 may not give way to the lusts of the flesh. 

In the right foot fix the nail of holy love, 
that I may run the way of Thy Commandments 
with fervid devotion, night and day serving 
Thee; ever joyfully giving Thee all possible 
thanks in hymns and heavenly praises. 

Short and light is all earthly labor, and hard 
doing, thirst and pain of body, for Thee, my 
God, Who, in the flesh, suffered and was 
wounded ; but long, yea, very long, is eternal 
punishment — the unceasing pains of hell. 



314 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

Strike also Thy two nails into my hands, 
that, while there is time, I may diligently bring 
forth good works, and avoid that vile indolence, 
which is so hurtful to the soul ; nay more, that 
I may throw mine arms around Thee, lovingly 
hanging on the Cross for me, full of wounds, 
yet pleading for Thine enemies. 

Draw me therefore to Thee, from the flesh to 
the Cross, from earth to heaven. For I long 
for my departure, that I may die with Thee on 
the Cross, and by Thy wounds be cleansed 
from all my sins, and so escape death eternal. 

Thou art my God, and to Thee will I confess 
my sins. Heal me by Thy sacred wounds, 
which, in my behalf, were so cruelly inflicted 
on Thee. For who will cleanse me from my 
sins and negligences, but Thou alone, God, 
my Redeemer, Who, for me, wast crucified and 
wounded with many stripes ? 

Among those stripes Thy five precious 
wounds, made by the nails and spear, are 
specially eminent, of sweet odor, and brilliant 
like the crimson seals of the Lamb of God. 
They are colored with blood, and marked in 
with the spur of divine love ; and, as the sure 
and sacred tokens of my eternal Redemption, 
never to be blotted out, full are they of all 
grace and sweetness ; open to me and to all 
mankind to kiss, and to behold with the eyes 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 315 

of the mind ; and granted to those who mourn, 
that they may enter into the secret things of 
Heaven. 

Enter, O my soul, enter boldly into the ten- 
der mercies of Thy God ; who is hanging on the 
Cross. 

Enter into the deep hollows of His wounds, 
safe from the face of the serpent, who is every- 
where secretly and openly lying in wait for 
thee. 

Here remain in silence and in safety, as a 
turtle mourning in solitude, and as a dove hid- 
den in a cleft of the hard rock ; despising all 
the pleasures of the world, meditating on the 
sacred wounds of Jesus Christ, and through 
them looking for the eternal rewards of Heaven, 
by Himself to be given unto thee. 

I beseech Thee, now, O most gracious Jesu 
Christ, speak also to my soul Thy saving word, 
which, as a mark of Thy great love, Thou 
spakest to Thy holy Apostle Thomas, strength- 
ening him in faith, and forgiving him all his 
sins: 

"Reach hither thy finger and behold My 
hands," with hard nails lovingly fixed to the 
Cross for thee. Reach hither thy hand and 
touch Me thoughtfully. Thrust it into My 
side, that was in tender pity opened for thee ; 
that side, so cruelly pierced by the soldier's 



31G Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

spear, that blood and water flowed therefrom 
freely, for the perfect remission of all sins, and 
in compassion for all believers. "And be not 
faithless, but believing." Not doubting, but 
firm and steadfast ; not over-curious, but honest 
and devout ; not idle, nor forgetful, but zealous, 
and ever thankful to God for benefits so great. 
Grant, O kind and beloved Jesus, that I may 
often think and meditate on these things ; that 
I may believe on Thee, and cleave to Thee. 
May I never doubt Thy words and the truth 
eternal. In every temptation and sorrow, may 
I ever turn at once for comfort to Thy Passion, 
and seek for consolation in Thy sacred wounds 
and suffering. Yea, may I ever find peace and 
rest for my soul in Thee, Who, with the Father 
and the Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth, ever 
one God, world without end. Amen. 



CHAPTER XVI. 

ON THE ARMOR OF CHRIST; THE CROSS, NAILS, 
SPEAR, AND CROWN OF THORNS. 

OLORD JESU CHRIST, King of all 
kings, I bless and give Thee thanks for 
Thy triumphal and royal arms; namely, the 
cross, nails, spear, crown of thorns, rod, cord, 



Meditations on the Life of Christ 317 

pillar (to which Thou wast bound naked, when 
cruelly scourged) ; and for all the other instru- 
ments of torture, used during Thy sacred Pas- 
sion for us vile sinners ; 

To vanquish the devil and the lovers of the 
world, with all their pomps and evil doings ; 
to give mercy and remission of sins to all that 
believe in Thee, and are truly penitent ; 

To obtain the hope of eternal Salvation, and 
the glory of celestial bliss with Thy holy Angels 
in heaven, after the coming general Resurrec- 
tion of the dead, both of the just and the un- 
just, according to their deeds, whether good or 
evil. For then will appear many signs in 
heaven and in earth, and the sacred wounds of 
Thy Passion with the standard of the Cross, 
and various achievements of Thine arms, to the 
joy and assurance of Thine Elect, but to the 
terror and misery of the lost. 

Then will all the Elect leap for joy — the 
humble, the innocent, the devout and chaste, 
the simple and the obedient, the meek, and they 
who have often endured contradictions for Thy 
Name's sake. Yes, many a time and oft, they 
think sorrowfully of Thy Passion and Thy 
sacred wounds, as if wrought upon themselves, 
and devoutly thank Thee for all Thou didst 
endure. 

Then also will they greatly fear and lament 



318 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

for themselves — the proud, the covetous, the 
envious, the greedy, and walkers after the flesh ; 
they who seldom or never think compassion- 
ately on Thy Cross and wounds, but rather set 
their thoughts on their own gains and advan- 
tages, than on Thy goodness and Thy bitter 
sufferings. 

From these perverse and ungrateful men 
preserve me, O Lord ; and ever unite me with 
the pure and innocent sheep of Thy flock, for 
whom Thou didst deign, out of Thy tender 
love, to be crucified and die, tortured by many 
wounds. 

O gentle Jesus ! endue me now with the 
power of Thy might, and gird me about thor- 
oughly, everywhere and at all times, with the 
sacred armor of Thy most bitter Passion. This 
do, for many are the snares and temptations of 
the evil spirit, assailing me on the right hand 
and on the left, by a thousand wicked schemes, 
and vain deceptions. 

Therefore, Lord, to Thy Passion do I 
humbly fly for succor; and I heartily pray 
Thee to comfort me, and with Thy power to 
uphold me. 

O gracious Jesus,, Helper and Defender in 
every temptation and trial of this frail life, 
raise aloft before me the royal Standard of Thy 
holy Cross, the sign of eternal Salvation, the 



Meditations on the Life of Christ, 319 

sceptre of the divinity, the bow and shield of 
the humanity, a very strong tower, a terrible 
thunder, and the sharpest dart against the 
angry assaults of the devil ; 

A defence is it against the turmoil of the 
world, and the incitement of the flesh ; against 
every vice and perverse thought, against the 
spirit of blasphemy and the abyss of despair ; 
which are ever ready to overwhelm me, and to 
turn me aside, O Jesu, from the invocation of 
Thy most sweet Name, to blacken the life and 
character of Thy Saints ; and, what is worse, 
to call me, an earnest believer, back from the 
right faith, and from the veneration and love 
of Thy holy Cross. 

O Jesu ! most valiant King, because of the 
many perils and dangers around me, be Thy 
holy Cross my Salvation, my peace, and my 
life, my shield, sword, and spear, a strong 
tower from the face of mine enemy; a solid 
defence from the fraud of the old serpent, 
my light at home, my leader when abroad, my 
safeguard within and without, above and be- 
low. 

May the Cross be sweet and pleasant to me ; 
a rest in labor, a comfort in affliction, a medi- 
cine in illness, an ointment in pain. 

May it be a defence in solitude, a security in 
crowded gatherings, a lamp in darkness, a joy 



320 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

at noon ; in the evening praise, honor, power, 
and glory. 

May it be to me a fair and beautiful Cross, 
sweetness in my hours of bitterness, health in 
sickness, a firm faith in the agony of death, my 
only hope in the departure of the soul, a sup- 
port at the day of judgment, a protection from 
hell, an acquittal from all punishment, a trans- 
porting by the holy Angels into the glory of 
Heaven. 

Moreover, patient Jesu, in sorrows apply 
to me the sacred nails, cruelly fixed in Thee 
when Thou wast hanging on the Cross ; that 
they may be the guard of my heart, my mouth, 
and of all my senses, and keep me from daily 
and nightly terrors of evil spirits ; that, when 
they see the signs of Thy nails, they may flee 
from me, as from sharp arrows, leaving me to 
rest in Thy peace, or, to pray and seriously to 
meditate on the pangs caused by those nails, 
when in the Body of my Lord Jesu Christ. 

Nor can they dare, with their wicked delu- 
sions, to disturb me, while I am meditating on 
Thy sacred wounds; which, so great and so 
deep, Thou didst endure in Thy hands and in 
Thy feet. 

Apply also, I pray Thee, to my side, as a 
guard of my heart, at all times, whether I be 
awake or asleep, Thy holy and sharp spear, so 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 321 

deeply thrust into Thee, when Thou wast dead ; 
that I also may, with Thee, be pierced on the 
Cross; suffering with Thee inwardly, while 
outwardly eschewing all that is worldly ; ban- 
ishing from me all that is vain; bearing in 
memory only heavenly things, and Thy sacred 
wounds. 

So wound my heart, O my God, that nothing 
impure may any longer be found in me. 

most excellent and ever to be loved Jesu 
Christ ! sure hope of the faithful, the strength 
of them that fight, and the crown of them that 
conquer, the wisdom of the contemplative, the 
enlightener of the ignorant, show also unto me, 
now an exile under the burden of the flesh, Thy 
holy and blessed Crown of thorns ; which, with 
derision and hard blows, was cruelly fixed and 
pressed down upon Thy sacred head, while on 
all sides, from Thy many wounds, dropped 
down Thy most precious Blood. 

1 pray Thee, that the abundant ebbings from 
this sacred and most bitter Crown may fully 
cleanse me from all my sins, draw forth from 
me floods of tears, and suddenly soften my dry 
and hardened heart. 

May I have a continual remembrance, and a 
vivid conception of this Thy holy and blessed 
Crown ; and may the great injury inflicted by 
the wounds, and prayerful meditation thereon. 



322 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

drive away from me and put to flight all evil 
things and impure thoughts ; may they abolish 
and destroy troubles of every kind. 

Enter, therefore, enter fresh sorrow, deep 
into my heart, for this blood-stained Crown of 
thorns. May that sorrow work upon every 
member of my body, and fill me with bitter- 
ness ; blotting out all the imperfections of my 
soul, which, in my f oLly, I have been so long 
gathering together. 

May it reduce to nothing in me every lofty 
desire ; all I deem beautiful, to dust ; every- 
thing precious, to mire ; everything flourishing, 
to decay ; everything delectable, to the bitterest 
wormwood ; everything joyful, to lamentation ; 
all that is amusing and witty, to derision and 
contempt. 

O ! in the great hereafter, how bright and 
lovely in heavenly glory will be the crown of a 
devout and chaste soul ; which, in this world, 
so often and so sorrowfully thinks of the thorn- 
crown of Jesus ; and bears in sad remembrance 
all His cruel wounds. 

Such a soul, at the hour of death, when leav- 
ing this miserable life, will, I believe, at the 
last, enjoy a great hope of pardon, and a full 
assurance of mercy, in the remembrance of Thy 
sacred Passion, O Lord. 

Therefore, for the sake of Thine every 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 323 

wound, forgive me also all mine offences, pres- 
ent and past ; as Thou didst, solely out of Thy 
mercy and grace, to St. Mary Magdalene ; who 
greatly bewailed her sins, and mourned bitterly 
over the sacred wounds of Thy Passion, inflicted 
on Thee for our very many and grievous trans- 
gressions ; 

For Thy mercy and goodness, O most merci- 
ful Jesu, have overcome all our evils, new and 
old, through the bowels of Thy compassion, and 
the innumerable stripes of Thy wounds, most 
patiently endured from wicked men ; wounds 
seen with their eyes by Thy holy Mother, and 
by the beloved Mary Magdalene, and moistened 
with streaming tears. 

Therefore, still further vex me, O Lord, from 
within by Thy scourging, and tight binding 
with cords to the hard pillar ; and that, in the 
presence of many scoffing and reviling. No 
pity, no shame was there for Thee ; but, like 
furious dogs, they longed to tear with their 
teeth an innocent sheep. They added blow to 
blow, sorrow upon sorrow, but never once didst 
Thou resist, no cry was heard, "Alas ! Alas ! 
why do ye so cruelly scourge Me ? " 

O ! how great and unspeakable Thy patience, 
O Lord Jesu, during such bitter affliction, Thy 
wounds red with issuing blood; all to make 
atonement for my sins. 



324 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

I have sinned, O Lord, and Thou bearest the 
scourge for me. I have done wickedly; in 
many ways have I of ttimes offended, yet Thou, 
utterly blameless, art unjustly condemned by 
the ungodly. 

I often in my folly laugh, but Thou art basely 
derided. I am well clothed, my desire is to 
please men, but Thou art hanging naked be- 
tween thieves. 

I eat and drink that which is fitting; but 
Thou hast, on the altar of the Cross, the bitter 
draught of vinegar and gall. 

I sleep on a soft couch, but Thou art buried 
in a hard tomb, as some outcast in the world. 

I often pass by the Cross, no tears bedew 
mine eyes; but Mary Magdalene and other 
holy women ceased not weeping, until, behold- 
ing Thee risen from the dead, they in adoration 
embraced Thy sacred feet. 

Grant, O gracious Jesu, that I may meditate 
on these things, and, with Thy holy and most 
devoted ones, Mary Magdalene and Thy other 
disciples, may so weep that, at the last day, 
when the trumpet shall sound, I may be found 
meet to come to the glory of the Resurrection ; 
and to enter, with all Thine Elect, into the 
kingdom of eternal blessedness. Amen. 

May Thy most noble armor, O Lord Jesu 
Christ, be to me a sure protection, within and 



Meditations on the Life of Christ 325 

without, against all the darts of the enemy, 
and against whatever allurements and opposi- 
tions the world may offer me. Amen. 



CHAPTER XVII. 

ON THE APPEARANCE OF CHRIST TO SEVEN DIS- 
CIPLES, WHEN THEY WERE FISHING IN THE 
SEA OF TIBERIAS. 

OLORD JESU CHRIST, Who art the 
Maker of all things, and the Ruler of 
heaven and earth, of Angels and men, of high 
and low, of rich and poor, of those who dwell 
on land and those who labor in the great 
waters, I bless and thank Thee for openly show- 
ing Thyself, after Thy glorious Resurrection, 
to seven of Thy disciples, who were toiling for 
fish in the Sea of Tiberias, to secure, out of 
their honest labors, the necessaries of life, and 
means of support for the helpless and strangers. 

All this was well pleasing to God and man ; 
allowed to us by the law of nature, and the 
bountiful favor of God; for the manifold 
advantages arising therefrom. Idleness is 
avoided, and time profitably employed. 

I praise and honor Thee, most gracious Jesus, 
Thou Visitor of them that labor, the helper in 



326 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

due season, by giving good counsel to them 
that need it; thereby graciously sustaining 
bodily life by land and in the waters. 

I bless Thee for Thy reverend standing on 
the sea-shore, observing how lovingly Thy dis- 
ciples were joined together, aiding one the other 
in their labors ; how orderly they proceeded ; 
how, after their wonted manner, without any 
noise or words of anger, they took up their im- 
plements of fishing, and passed to their- respect- 
ive posts; ready to apply themselves vigor- 
ously should some storm oblige. 

Thus wisely placed, these disciples labored 
all the night through. They rowed, and 
dragged, and toiled hard, until morning, but 
nothing whatever did they take. 

Wherefore, despairing of their labor, they 
were now thinking of ceasing from further 
fishing, unless God should provide better for 
them. 

But this great difficulty in catching fish was 
permitted, that, afterwards, when Jesus, their 
Master and Lord, came and guided them, great 
might be their joy. 

Because, during the past night, Jesus was 
not bodily present in the ship, as He had wont 
to be so often formerly, little or no success had 
they. It was as He had told them before, 
" Without Me ye can do nothing." 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 327 

But, beloved disciples, do not despair on ac- 
count of this change; for a cloudy morning 
often, by God's favor, turns to a bright noon- 
day. 

Wait a little, and call upon the gracious 
Lord Jesus, and it shall go well with you after 
your nights toil. 

And so it came to pass. When Jesus ap- 
peared and said, " Cast the net on the right side 
of the ship, and ye shall find plentifully, al- 
though before, when I was absent, ye could 
take nothing." 

I praise and glorify Thee, O Jesu, who fore- 
seest all things, for Thy gracious discourse with 
these poor fishermen, who had now no sure 
income, no Church supplies to live on; but, 
by the labor of their hands, were lawfully pro- 
curing for themselves the necessaries of life, 
lest, by begging, they should become burden- 
some to others, or, by their idleness, prove an 
offence to the weak. 

Therefore didst Thou, O good Jesus, in the 
time of their need, come to the aid of Thy 
poor ones ; asking them, if they had with them 
anything to eat ; inquiring, in a friendly man- 
ner, concerning their food, " Children, have ye 
any meat ? " They answered, " No." 

A brief reply to the Lord Omnipotent, who 
knoweth all things from eternity; to Whom 



328 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

every heart is open, and every secret ; all that 
was in the ship, and everything that swims in 
the sea. 

Thou didst therefore, O gracious Jesu, pity 
their poverty, as Thou hadst formerly com- 
passion on the hungry multitude in the desert ; 
speedily giving, by a single word, counsel and 
relief to those that were obedient to Thee. 

Therefore, trusting to God rather than to 
their own skill, with good faith they cast the 
net on the right side of the ship. They obeyed 
the command of the Lord, Who was standing 
on the sea-shore; and His words were more 
effectual far, than oars or aught beside. 

And lo ! now, by the help of Jesus, their net 
was filled with so great a multitude of fishes, 
that they were not able to draw it to the shore. 
So vast are the gifts of God, they far exceed 
the powers of man. 

Seeing this, so great a miracle wrought, that 
disciple, whom Jesus loved, said to his compan- 
ions, and especially to Peter, " It is the Lord." 

On hearing this, Peter rejoiced with exceed- 
ing great joy, and his heart was moved with 
such fervent love, that, forgetting and heedless 
of all left in the ship, he girt his fisher's coat 
unto him, and at once cast himself into the sea, 
and hastened to Jesus his Lord ; Whom he loved 
above every holy name, blessed for evermore. 



Meditations on the Life of Christ 329 

O with what great reverence and boldness 
did he approach Thee, O Lord Jesu, and bend 
his wet knees before Thee, adoring and honor- 
ing Thy face, which is brighter than the sun, 
and ever visible to the holy Angels. 

That face was now, for a brief season, mani- 
fested to Peter and his companions, for their 
comfort ; but the sight thereof is utterly denied 
to the mighty and rich of this world, and to all 
the idle lovers of luxury. 

gracious and sweet Jesus ! hide not Thou 
Thy face from me, whatever may be my place 
or my calling. 

Come and be near unto me, when I am sing- 
ing, reading, meditating, writing, or studying. 

Remember me in prosperity, and, when any 
trouble shall suddenly visit me ; give me pa- 
tience in my heart, and with my mouth ever to 
bless Thee, and to bear all things contentedly, 
for the love of Thee and of Thy honor. 

Visit me in the night season, that, at the call to 
early prayer, I may quickly rise with my breth- 
ren, to sing the Psalms, and help them ; as did 
those Apostles, who, throughout the whole night, 
toiled on together to catch fish, until the day 
dawned, and Thou earnest and gavest a blessing. 

For when Thou wast present and didst bless 
them, their net was filled with a multitude of 
great fishes. 



330 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

In like manner, O Lord, I beseech Thee, 
that, when I pray, Thou wouldest, by Thy grace 
preventing and following me, vouchsafe to fill 
me with so great a sweetness of inner devotion, 
that many long Psalms may be more pleasant 
to me, than great fishes to him that is hungry. 

For the delight of the mind is greater far 
than that of the flesh. The spirit revives, the 
flesh weighs down. The spirit purifies and 
gladdens, the flesh stains and makes sad. 

The spirit is submissive and obedient to God, 
but the flesh often resists Him and does us 
harm. For the soul is better than the body ; the 
living spirit more worthy than decaying flesh. 
The world has its sweetness, but sweeter far 
and more excellent above all things is God, the 
Creator and Ruler of all things. 

Through all creation blessed be Thou, O 
Lord Jesu Christ, my God! who alone doest 
great wonders by sea and by land. 

For, with Thy chosen friends Thou dost 
gladly eat and feast. Yea, in hymns and 
psalms, which are sweeter than all earthly food 
and pleasant drink, Thou dost prepare for 
them a sacred and spiritual banquet. 



Meditations mi the Life of Christ. 331 



CHAPTER XVni. 

ON THE FEASTING OF CHRIST WITH THE SAME 
DISCIPLES. 

OLORD JESU CHRIST, Thou Comforter 
of the afflicted, Pitier of the poor, Re- 
storer of the hungry, and Strengthener of them 
that labor ; I bless and give Thee thanks, for 
corporally feasting with Thy disciples ; and for 
the capture of fishes so many and so great, by 
the hands and labor of Thy beloved disciples ; 
made in Thy presence and through the power 
of Thy words, when Thou saidst unto them, 
u Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and 
ye shall find." 

the great grace of God! Thou art the 
Creator of all things, and dost provide for the 
needy and the little ones, who have no store- 
rooms filled with food, nor bags of money hid- 
den in chests. 

Woe to those who trust to their treasure- 
holds, whence thieves can, in one night, steal 
all, and wickedly squander it. 

1 praise and give Thee glory, most glorious 
Jesus, for the friendly invitation of Thy dis- 
ciples, poor fishermen, to dine with Thee, after 



332 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

a long fast and hard fishing, saying unto them : 
— " Come and dine. 

"For I have prepared for you, who are 
wearied and hungry, fish laid on burning coals 
and bread. 

" If any of you need warmth, let him come 
to the fire and warm himself. If he has soiled 
or wetted his clothing, let him at once wash 
them, and dry them, at the fire I have Myself 
made ready. 

" You know well what I did to you formerly, 
at the Supper, before My Passion; how I 
washed your feet and wiped them. You must 
well remember My discourse to you, how I ex- 
horted you long, by My example, to walk in 
humility and love, one with the other. 

" And now, after My Resurrection, I appear 
to you, admonishing you the more diligently 
to discharge all such duties, and dining with 
you. 

"For Me there is no need of food; but I 
now speak and eat with you, to show to you 
the reality of My glorified Body. 

"Therefore, dine with Me in love, soberly 
and modestly with silence; abstaining from 
all vain things, as I so often taught you, and 
as ye have seen in Me and ofttimes heard. 

"For from My mouth no light word ever 
proceeded; but always that which was well 



Meditations on the Life of Christ 333 

pleasing to My Father; and to others that 
heard it, it was helpful and prolific of good." 

Witnesses of these things are the four Holy 
Gospels, scattered abroad over the world, within 
which is found nothing vain, nothing unseemly. 

" Be content now with the few things ye see, 
which I have made ready for you, My children, 
who have said, 'We have no meat/ Desire 
not food that is costly and prepared with 
spices ; fare of the luxurious, unfitted for de- 
vout brothers and sisters in Christ, who have 
given up this world. Be pleased rather with 
simple food, bread and fish, which, by God's 
favor, is graciously provided for you. 

" These, however, may not perchance be suffi- 
cient for you, because of strangers, and poor 
mendicants, who come to you. Such sufferers 
ye must not turn away, but, according to your 
power, nourish and comfort them. 

" Therefore, I say to you, be not cast down 
when ye have but little. Trusting in Me, bring 
of the fish, which now, with joy of heart, ye 
have taken so abundantly." 

Hearing this, Simon Peter, in ready and 
prompt obedience, went up and, aided by his 
companions, drew the net to land full of great 
fishes, an hundred and fifty and three. 

And they all, full of wonder, gave thanks to 
God the Father, and to Thee, Jesus Christ, His 



334 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

Son, Whom they saw present with them, and 
knew by the Holy Ghost. 

And therefore, no one durst ask Him, u Who 
art Thou, Who now standest here with us, and 
speakest and eatest 1 n 

For they all knew of a truth, that it was 
Thou, our Lord Jesus Christ, Who didst rise 
again from the closed tomb, alive and immortal, 
and didst manifest Thyself to us. 

O Lord Jesu Christ, Who art the beloved 
friend of all the devout, the sweet host of the 
soul, a cheerful companion among Thy brethren 
and friends, I praise and thank Thee for so 
good a meal and social repast; which Thou 
didst prepare for Thy beloved disciples, who 
were wearied, after long and laborious fishing. 
Thou didst invite them to dine, and with Thine 
own hand Thou didst administer to them bread 
blessed by Thy mouth, and also fish broiled on 
the fire, glowing with love; inwardly savored 
with spiritual sweetness. 

O how pleasant was the taste of that food, 
which Jesus prepared — and then served at the 
table, for which He, as Director of the Refec- 
tory, had provided ! 

And what shall I say more ? Truly very de- 
lightful was this feast, which Jesus held with 
His disciples ; but ! how far more excellent, 
how much higher in dignity, and more joyous, 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 335 

is the sacred Feast of His precious Body and 
Blood, which is ever celebrated in His Church. 

In which Jesus Himself is taken ; His Pas- 
sion, which He endured for us all, is remembered 
anew ; the mind, which in itself is often arid 
and cold, is filled with grace, through the joy- 
giving presence of Jesus in the heart. 

, In this sacred Feast a pledge of future glory 
is also given to the devout soul, for the com- 
fort and nourishment of its spiritual life, in 
this its pilgrimage; until Christ shall come, 
and take that soul to Himself, away from every 
labor and sorrow of its present misery, into 
eternal rest ; to be, together with His holy dis- 
ciples, ever in the house of His Father. There 
the Redeemed shall neither hunger nor thirst, 
but shall rejoice with Christ for ever. 

Unwillingly am I torn from that good and 
joyful company of Saints, and from the sweet 
feast of Jesus with His disciples, on the shore 
of Galilee's Sea. 

I desire and pray, with the deepest yearning 
of my heart, that, in this present life, I may be 
made one of the least of the beloved disciples 
of Jesus, through a contempt of the world, and 
a renouncing of all that is transitory therein ; 

Not by my merits and my doings, but through 
the grace of G-od, and the compassion of my 
Lord Jesu Christ ; so that, in His kingdom to 



336 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

come, I may be found meet to be visited and 
comforted by Him, and, with all His Saints, to 
rejoice and be blessed in glory. Amen. 



CHAPTER XIX. 

ON THE LOVING DISCOURSE OF JESUS WITH ST. 
PETER AND ST. JOHN THE APOSTLE, CONCERN- 
ING THE LOVE OF HIM. 

OLORD JESU CHRIST, Thou tenderest 
Lover of men, and most wise Teacher 
of little ones, I bless and give Thee thanks, for 
Thy gracious discourse with St. Peter, concern- 
ing the love of Thee ; chiefly, in Thy having 
thrice questioned him. 

Vouchsafing to call him by the name of his 
father, making special mention thereof, to the 
wonder and exceeding great joy of the Apostle. 

Joy indeed, because, speaking with him, 
Thou didst only ask concerning his inward 
love, saying, " Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou 
Me more than these ? " 

I praise and glorify Thee, O most worthy 
Jesus, for Thine ineffable goodness and gentle- 
ness, that Thou didst not reproach St. Peter, 
for the grievous sin he had committed against 
Thee ; but rather Thou didst inquire after his 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 337 

love for Thee, the existence of which Thou 
knewest full well, and so didst stir him up to 
greater fervor, and make that love manifest to 
the Brethren, there present. 

Moreover, how noble and holy was Peter in 
Thy sight ; and how tenderly Thou didst love 
him, even after his fall, Thou didst now declare 
to the whole world. 

Lest, may be, some fallen creature, forgetful 
of his own state, should think irreverently of 
him, with whom Thou, O Lord, didst so lov- 
ingly talk and eat. 

I praise Thee, for the right and free answer 
of St. Peter to Thy words. All presumptuous 
and careless speaking being avoided, he pro- 
fessed not himself, in his love for Thee, more 
devoted than many others; teaching me and 
all men to think humbly, to consider discreetly, 
to answer questions wisely, and to uphold the 
Christian Faith truly and resolutely against all 
opposition. 

Thrice, therefore, he spake in honor of the 
Holy Trinity, because thrice, when in fear, he 
had denied Thee. Believing with his whole 
heart, all doubt discarded, thrice he said, " I love 
Thee/ 7 "I love Thee," "I love Thee." What 
more ? " Lord, Thou knowest that I love Thee." 

O St. Peter ! what sayest thou, if men, who 
see not thine heart, believe thee not f 



338 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

" I speak to my Lord, and cry aloud in the 
hearing of all, and steadily declare with heart 
and voice, 'Lord, Thou knowest all things, 
Thou knowest that I love Thee.' 

"Lord, Thou hast searched me out, and 
known me; Thou knewest my downsitting, 
when I denied Thee ; Thou knewest my upris- 
ing, when I wept bitterly and truly repented. 
Thou hast pardoned me, Lord, Thou hast par- 
doned me, wherein I have sinned against Thee. 

" Thou hast pardoned all mine offences for 
Thy holy Name's sake, for sweet is Thy com- 
passion; manifold are Thy mercies over all 
Thy works, from everlasting to everlasting." 

I praise and glorify Thee, most sweet Jesus, 
for the faithful, loving commendation of Thy 
lambs and sheep to the pastoral charge of Thy 
devoted Apostle, St. Peter : whom Thou didst 
call, from catching fishes, to the care of souls ; 
from a little ship, to a Bishop's Chair ; from 
poor parents, to be a great Master in Thy 
Church. 

Therefore, by a divine utterance of Thy lov- 
ing voice, Thou didst carefully command Peter, 
and hast enjoined the same on all other Prel- 
ates, saying, " Feed My sheep, the small ones 
and the great, the rich and the poor, whom I 
have redeemed with My precious Blood." 

" Remember, Peter, what thou wast, before I 



Meditations on the Life of Christ 339 

called thee from the ship to the Apostolate; 
and what thou art now become. Even after 
thy threefold denial, by My special mercy and 
favor, I have raised thee to high honor ; that 
thou mayest always seek not thine own glory, 
but Mine, and the glory of My Heavenly 
Father, and of the Holy Ghost." 

I praise Thee, most loving Jesus, for the most 
excellent provision touching St. Peter and St. 
John, who were beloved by Thee with a special 
love. 

For by Thee was St. Peter well instructed ; 
by Thy example he was strengthened for the 
sufferings of the Cross. 

But John, a youth beloved, Thou didst con- 
tinue, that he might teach and write mysteries 
of Thy Holy Church higher and more profit- 
able. Thou didst with a foreseeing goodness 
give him a longer life for the consolation of 
many of the faithful. 

Therefore, to Peter's inquiry concerning the 
end of John, Thou didst briefly reply, "My 
will is, that he tarry thus in the body, for the 
instruction of My whole Church; and the 
special care of My Mother, commended to him 
by Me, when I was yet hanging on the Cross. 

" My will is that he live long, and write cer- 
tain sublime records concerning My Godhead, 
and My Incarnation, My Passion, and Resur- 



340 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

rection. This he will do, according as he has 
seen with his eyes, and very often heard with 
his ears from My mouth ; until I come in person 
to him, and take him with great joy to Myself. 

" What is that to thee, Peter? Follow thou 
Me." 

" Follow Me, bearing the Cross for My sake. 
For great indeed to thee will be the honor, if 
thou suffer for Me a like death on the Cross." 

This being said, and all peacefully arranged, 
the bodily feast is finished ; but not the spirit- 
ual, which is better felt in devout meditation 
and prayer, than by a lengthy recital. 

Most merciful Lord Jesu Christ, Thou best 
Physician of the wearied soul, I beseech Thee 
now to guide me aright, through the various 
troubles and changes of this my life of sorrow ; 
and bring me to Thy glory in the Heaven of 
Heavens. 

Drive far from me the blasts of pride, when 
I am reading and singing in the choir with my 
Brethren, albeit better men than I. And when 
I am studying and writing holy treatises, grant 
that I may not think highly of myself, or com- 
pare myself with those who are more learned, 
and by Thee more highly endowed than I. So 
shall I not lose the fruit of good works here on 
earth, nor, in the world to come, eternal reward 
with Thee in heaven. 



Meditations on the Life of Christ 341 

Preserve me also, in the strong tempest of 
anger, from hard thoughts against the Breth- 
ren ; that I may study to bear kindly with the 
manners and failings of others; to excuse 
them, as I readily do my own shortcomings. 
For so didst Thou, O Lord, in wisdom teach Thy 
disciples, bearing with them long and often, 
gently guiding them to a more perfect life. 

Grant me, that I may follow Thee by the 
way of the Cross ; patiently bearing labor of 
body, and sorrow of heart, even unto death. 

Of Thy gracious compassion, vouchsafe to 
me, an unworthy sinner, with honest and faith- 
ful St. Thomas, mentally to touch and rely on 
Thy sacred wounds; and daily to meditate 
thereon, at the time of the Blessed Sacrament, 
in my study, at my meals, at all times and in 
all places, for an expression of my thanksgiv- 
ing, for the love of Thy holy Name, and the 
honor of Thy holy Cross. 

Grant me also, with the Apostle St. John, to 
love Thee with a pure heart and body, gladly 
to read and hear his holy Gospel, and treasure 
it in my breast. Let me rest, as it were, on 
Thy bosom ; lose all thoughts of things earthly ; 
and, with him in the Apocalypse, contemplate 
the secret things of Heaven. 

Be Thou merciful to me, O Lord, and defend 
me from all evils, that violently assail me. 



342 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

Strengthen me, in all virtues and godly liv- 
ing, to resist the enticing but bitter delusions 
of Satan ; so hateful to, and despised by Thee 
and Thy holy Angels. 

Strengthen me also to root out all pride of 
mind, to bridle all fleshly lust, to keep the door 
of my heart and mouth, and have a strict guard 
over my other senses. 

Grant me, O Son of God, with the sons of 
Zebedee, to drink the cup of Thy Passion for 
the forgiveness of my sins ; and with them, and 
all Thy Saints, to feast together with Thee in 
the Kingdom of Heaven. Amen. 



CHAPTER XX. 

ON THE APPEARANCE OF CHRIST TO THE ELEVEN 
DISCIPLES ON MOUNT TABOR, IN GALILEE. 

I BLESS and give Thee thanks, O Lord Jesu 
Christ, Thou King of heaven and earth, 
Who weighest the mountains, and enclosest the 
earth in Thy hand; Who sittest above the 
Cherubim and Seraphim, beholding the great 
deeps ; Who walkest above the stars of heaven, 
and considerest the ends of the earth; and 
knowest all things before they come to pass. 
I bless, praise, and honor Thee, for that joy- 



Meditations on the Life of Christ 343 

ful, glorious, and noble Manifestation of Thy- 
self to Thy eleven disciples on Mount Tabor ; 
as before Thy Passion Thou didst openly and 
clearly promise them, saying, " I will smite the 
Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be 
scattered abroad. But after I am risen again, 
I will go before you into Galilee." 

First, therefore, Thou didst foretell to them 
two events, sad indeed and grievous for be- 
loved friends to hear ; namely, the smiting the 
Shepherd, meaning that Thou Thyself shouldest 
suffer from the Jews ; then that the dispersion 
of the sheep — their own flight and waiting for 
fear of punishment and death — would speedily 
follow. 

But lest they should despair, weighed down 
by the load of evils, Thou didst forthwith add 
two great consoling joys. Thou didst assure 
them of Thy glorious Resurrection on the third 
day ; and of Thy blessed appearance at a cer- 
tain place well known to them, on Mount Ta- 
bor, in Galilee. There formerly, Thou didst 
work many signs and wonders, in the pres- 
ence of Thy disciples, and before all the 
people. 

O Galilee ! thou Holy Land ! Christ's coun- 
try, wherein is Nazareth, the flowery, that city 
which He inhabited, and made illustrious by 
His glorious presence ; and from whence came 



344 Meditations on the Life of Christ, 

forth to us the eternal joys of our salvation, 
told of in the Holy Gospels. 

I praise and honor Thee, O Jesu, for Thy 
great goodness ; because Thou didst invite Thy 
disciples to come apart to a holy and secret 
place, far away from the noise and worry of 
the world ; fitly chosen for hearing commands 
divine. 

On that spot, formerly, before three fitting 
witnesses, Peter, James, and John, the other 
apostles being absent, Thou wast transfigured ; 
and, a voice coming from the Father, out of 
the cloud, Thou wast clothed and adorned with 
an exceeding brightness; there, by a secret 
revelation, wast Thou manifested, to strengthen 
the faith of Thy Apostles, before Thy Passion. 

But in this most open appearance, after Thy 
most glorious Resurrection, Thou didst mani- 
fest Thyself in the presence of a greater num- 
ber of Thy disciples ; strengthening those who 
believed, convincing those who doubted, gra- 
ciously teaching all; gladdening them by Thy 
presence, and by the power given to Thee by 
the Father, over all things in heaven and in 
earth. 

Having heard these things from Thy mouth, 
those who were present justly worshipped Thee, 
and glorified Thy holy Name. Falling down 
before Thee to the ground, they rejoiced and 



Meditations on the Life of Christ 345 

sang with deep devotion a new hymn to Thee, 
our God. For they then learnt such lofty and 
wondrous things concerning the Holy Trinity, 
such as no one is able fully to express. 

O glorious and delightful vision ! O most 
exalted and divine revelation ! O the great and 
unspeakable joy in the hearts of Thy Holy 
Apostles. 

O sweet and gentle Jesus, I praise and glo- 
rify Thee, Thou who spakest with Thy disciples 
so lovingly on the Mount ; revealing to them 
the true doctrine of the Holy Trinity, and de- 
livering to them the right form of words to be 
used, when baptizing the Faithful in the river 
of waters, for the remission of sins, "In the 
name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the 
Holy Grhost. Amen." 

In these words, verily, I believe that I was 
baptized by a faithful Priest, and by faithful 
parents instructed and brought up in the true 
Catholic Faith, as taught in the Holy Church. 

Thanks to Thee, O Christ, from Whom 
cometh every good to man, together with the 
hope of Life eternal. To which, O Lord, vouch- 
safe to bring me, when my days on earth are 
over ; deliver me, I pray Thee, from the bitter 
pains of eternal death ! 

It is for me to pray ; Thine it is, in mercy, 
to be my Helper. 



346 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

I am weak and unstable ; Thou art holy and 
full of compassion. Thou canst deliver me 
from every trouble • leading me with Thee to 
the mountain of Thy glory. 

O Jesu ! Thou saving health of my counte- 
nance, and my God ; to Thee I cry, for Thee I 
yearn, night and day I pray unto Thee. Let 
Thy grace alone uphold me, until I be safely 
with Thee for ever. Who, with the Father, 
and the Holy Ghost, livest and reignest, ever 
one God, world without end. Amen. 



PART IV. 



ON THE ASCENSION, PENTECOST, AND 
CEETAIN OTHER MATTERS. 



Meditations on the Life of Christ 349 



CHAPTER I. 

ON THE ASCENSION OF OUR LORD, AND HIS 
APPEARANCE. 

I BLESS and give Thee thanks, Lord Jesu 
Christ, Thou King of Glory, Creator of 
heaven and earth, Ruler of Angels and Saviour 
of men, Who hatest the proud and comf ortest 
the humble, "Who didst on this day triumph 
above all the heavens, and above all the stars 
thereof; above the Cherubim and Seraphim; 
above all angelic dignity, and created excel- 
lency. Yea, on this day, ? mid the songs of 
Angels, with the sound of the trumpet and a 
merry noise, Thou didst by Thine own power, 
in the presence of Thy disciples, ascend with a 
joyful countenance and glorious Body, clothed 
with light as with a garment. 

Having overcome the prince of this world, 
Thou didst show the way of eternal Life and 
Glory to chosen and devoted friends; whom 
Thou didst call out of this world, and strengthen 
to follow Thee, along the rugged road of the 
Cross. 

O Lord, my God, how excellent is Thy Name 
in all the earth ! O King of Heaven ! how glo- 



350 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

riously didst Thou enter into the Kingdom of 
Thy Father. 

With what great honor and glory wast Thou 
crowned above all Thy Saints, and placed in 
the highest dignity, at the right hand of Thy 
Father, because Thou didst pour out Thy soul 
unto death. Yea, Thou didst vouchsafe to die 
for the ungodly, that Thou mightest quicken 
Thy people, and make them to sit down at Thy 
table in Thy Kingdom ; which Thou didst pre- 
pare for them from the foundation of the world. 
It was not for their own merits or for any good- 
ness that dwelleth in man, but in Thy loving kind- 
ness, and the multitude of Thy tender mercies. 

how great the dignity of man's estate, that 
human nature, united to God in one Person, 
should far excel every creature in heaven and 
in earth. 

Rightly, therefore, as a fitting act of thanks- 
giving and praise, all creatures, which are in 
heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, 
should, at Thy Name, most gracious Jesu, bow 
down and bend their knees before Thy face, 
and worship the presence of Thy Glory — they 
should exalt and praise Thy high and holy 
Name above all things for ever. 

1 praise and honor Thee for Thy loving visit 
and last appearance before Thy disciples, as 
they sat at meat, assembled in an upper room. 



Meditations on the Life of Christ 351 

They were devoutly talking of Thee, and greatly 
longing to see Thy face; and rejoiced were 
they, that, during their meal. Thou didst come 
for their especial comfort. 

For, as often as they assembled to eat to- 
gether and to converse, their talking was chiefly 
concerning God, and the Kingdom of God; 
concerning peace and brotherly love ; concern- 
ing virtues and the salvation of souls ; but, of 
the meat and drink set before them they cared 
little — secondary were they altogether. Hav- 
ing all things in common, no one sought for 
special and choice dishes. 

For the common life of Saints is rich and 
sufficient ; but they who seek their own com- 
forts lose blessings free to all, and rarely are 
inwardly content. 

I more especially praise Thee, eternal King 
most High, for that loving feast with these Thy 
poor Apostles. It was not with Rulers and 
Chief Priests, nor was it with the rich of this 
world, by whom Thou and Thy disciples, whom 
Thou didst choose out of the world, and sepa- 
rate from the company of the wicked, were ut- 
terly despised. 

I thank Thee, that, before Thou didst ascend 
into Heaven, Thou didst visit and strengthen 
Thy weak and timid disciples, left to struggle 
amidst the waves of this life. 



352 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

To them Thou didst reveal many heavenly- 
secrets concerning things past and things to 
come, that, comforted by Thy words, they 
might not fail to endure troubles manfully for 
Thy Name's sake. 

I praise and honor Thee, Lord Jesu Christ, 
Thou Teacher that excellest all Teachers of 
Theology, for every word Thou spakest, whether 
openly or dimly, to Thy disciples, and before 
the multitude; for Thy many beautiful and 
mystical parables ; and for the plain doctrines, 
fitted to the capacity of Thine hearers. 

I praise Thee for the right interpretation and 
clear exposition of divine utterances in the 
books of Moses and the Prophets, which bear 
true witness of Thee, and of all the holy works 
and glorious miracles wrought by Thee, whilst 
Thou wast in the world ; and by Thee ordered 
to be proclaimed throughout all nations. 

I praise and greatly bless Thee, most loving 
Jesus Christ, Thou eternal Shepherd, for the 
tender care of Thy poor and humble flock, 
placed as they were in the midst of a stubborn 
nation, whom Thou didst, on this day, visit 
with gladness in an upper room. 

Having instructed them, and upbraided them 
for the hardness of their unbelief, Thou didst 
lead them out of Jerusalem unto the Mount of 
Olives, to behold Thy public and illustrious 



Meditations on the Life of Christ 353 

Ascension to the celestial Glory of Thy Father, 
after the long pilgrimage of this life, and the 
requisite and due fulfilment of all righteousness 
and perfect obedience. 

Where, also, in the presence of Thy holy 
Mother, with the devout Mary Magdalene, and 
other women and disciples dear to Thee, Thou 
didst then again very earnestly address to them 
profitable words concerning the Kingdom of 
God, the contempt of the world, the expectation 
of future grace, and of the coming of the Holy 
Ghost after a few days. Thou didst also re- 
press an over-curious questioning, on the part 
of some, about the end of the world, as a matter 
not in any way pertaining to them. 

After thus speaking, having blessed them 
with Thy sacred hands, and bade them farewell, 
Thou, with a glorious Body, wast lifted up, by 
divine power, into the lofty habitation of the 
Heavens ; where an innumerable company of 
Saints and Angels, and all the Heavenly Hosts, 
singing and rejoicing on the pipe and harp, 
came forth to meet Thee. With them were the 
Patriarchs, and Prophets, and holy men of old ; 
whom Thou didst valiantly redeem from the 
power of the grave, and quietly seat in a Para- 
dise of delight, even to this day. 

Therefore, with this great multitude of noble 
and exulting Saints, Thou didst openly ascend 



354 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

with joy, and might, and majesty, to the royal 
and lofty throne in the Heaven of Heavens — 
the throne most worthily prepared for Thee 
alone, from all eternity. 

I praise and heartily thank Thee, Thou only 
Son of God, for that heavenly and perpetual 
blessing, which Thou didst bestow on Thy holy 
Mother, and on all Thy holy Apostles, and Thy 
other disciples, gathered together on Mount 
Olivet. 

Wherefore, I now, with bended knees, em- 
bracing and glorying in Thy holy Cross, adore 
and together praise and humbly entreat Thee, 
my Lord, Thou King of Glory, that I may 
share in Thy loving benediction, and find in 
Thee comfort to my heart in this my day of 
exile. 

And, I rejoice with all Thy Saints, for this 
day's exceeding great joy and solemnity, such 
as no one before ever saw or heard of, in 
heaven, or on earth ; because now man's nature 
has been raised to the right hand of the Father, 
in glory everlasting. Amen. 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 355 



CHAPTER II. 

ON THE APPEARANCE OF THE ANGELS IN WHITE 
APPAREL. 

I BLESS Thee and praise Thee, sweet Jesu 
Christ, and devoutly do I thank Thee, be- 
cause, after Thy withdrawal from the Apos- 
tles, and Thine entrance with the Angels into 
Heaven, Thou didst send two Angels, clothed 
in white apparel, as ambassadors from the celes- 
tial Court, to comfort Thy desolate disciples, as 
they were looking after Thee into Heaven, but 
unable to follow Thee. 

And the Angels said : "Ye men of Galilee, 
why stand ye gazing up into Heaven! Why 
are ye amazed at this great and wonderful 
miracle, such as before was never seen ? God 
is omnipotent. The Incarnate God is gone up 
with a shout, as was prophesied in the Psalm 
concerning Him. 

" Ye, therefore, ought to preach, and testify 
to others, what things ye have heard and seen, 
as was commanded you. 

"For this same Jesus, which is taken up 
from you into Heaven, shall so come in like 
manner, as ye have seen Him go into Heaven. 



356 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

"And then He, who lately appeared meek 
and lowly among you on earth, that He might 
lead His humble followers into His heavenly 
kingdom, shall come, with great power and 
glory, to judge both the quick and the dead." 

O loving Jesus ! I beseech Thee now, in Thy 
Glory, remember me, poor and helpless. 

Remember and have mercy upon me, an 
exile and a pilgrim, an outcast in this vale of 
tears, sighing and wailing 'mid the various 
temptations and troubles of this life, which so 
often draw back my heart from heavenly bless- 
ings. 

Draw me, therefore, after Thee, most faith- 
ful Jesu ; so that, if with the feet of my body I 
cannot follow Thee, I may seek Thee diligently 
in the steps of holy desire and fervent love. 

Although I am unworthy — utterly unfit to 
behold Thee in the loftiness of Thy divine 
Majesty, I will with lowliness follow Thee in 
the path of Thy humility. 

O blessed vision, to behold God clearly in 
Himself, as He is now seen perfectly in Heaven 
by the Angels and all the Saints ! 

And, now I know of a truth, that all my 
yearning can never be satisfied, nor wholly set 
at rest, by any earthly good. That will only 
come, when, freed from all that is evil, I am 
united to Thee, my God, in Heaven. 



Meditations on the Life of Christ 357 

Therefore, O Jesu Christ, art Thou gone be- 
fore me to the Father, to prepare the way and 
a place for me, where I may abide with Thee ; 
to secure for me pardon of my sins through the 
scars of Thy wounds ; that I may, now and for 
ever, have full confidence in Thy presence, 
through the multitude of Thy mercies, and the 
magnitude of Thy merits. 

O good Jesu ! forsake me not. Thou, who 
by Thy power hast done great and marvellous 
things, art my love, and the desire of my soul ; 
my Saviour and my Redeemer ; my hope from 
my youth up; my expectation and my sole 
trust, even unto old age. 

Thanking Thee most heartily for Thine 
abundant mercies, 1 will, with all Thy Saints, 
so long as I am a stranger and an exile in this 
my pilgrimage, love Thee, and praise Thee 
above all things. 

Come, now, my Soul, return with Mary the 
Mother of Jesus, and with the Apostles, from 
the Mount of Olives into Jerusalem ; there to 
seek peace of heart, and rest from all the cares 
of the world. 

Ascend then with them into the large upper 
room, where the old Passover ceased to be, and 
the new was instituted in the Holy Sacrament 
of the Body and Blood of Christ, given and 
ordained. 



358 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

Therefore, seriously reflect within thyself; 
remaining in silence and solitude, waiting upon 
God in prayer and devout meditation. 

And, make thyself ready for the Feast of 
Pentecost, now at hand; to receive with the 
Apostles the Holy Ghost, on a greater Festival. 
All earthly comfort cast aside, they are await- 
ing, in a secret chamber, the new joy to be sent 
by Christ from Heaven. 

Call to mind, in the mean season, the mercies 
of God, from the beginning of the world until 
now ; more especially the Incarnation of Christ, 
and all the sayings and doings recorded of 
Him in the Gospels, from the day of His birth, 
even unto the present day of His glorious 
Ascension to the Father. 



CHAPTER III. 

ON THE SENDING OF THE HOLY GHOST UPON 
THE APOSTLES OF CHRIST, AT THE FEAST OF 
PENTECOST. 

I BLESS and give Thee thanks, O Lord Jesu 
Christ, Thou most loving Comforter of 
the distressed, sweet Visitor of the sick, and 
mighty Helper of all in trouble, for Thy faith- 
ful promise of celestial gifts, from Thy lofty 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 359 

habitation in the Heavens, and from the Father 
of Lights. 

And for Thy profuse bounty, and the marvel- 
lous pouring forth of the manifold graces of 
the Holy Ghost upon Thy disciples, assembled 
in Jerusalem. 

There they were together in an upper room, 
praying and earnestly waiting for the comfort 
of the Holy Ghost from Heaven ; their minds 
far from this world. Away from the tumult 
of life, in quietude and silence, they cast from 
their hearts all earthly cares, and, intent on 
heavenly and eternal blessings, they prepared 
themselves by devout prayer for the richer gifts 
of grace. 

I praise and glorify Thee, O blessed Jesu 
Christ, King of the holy Angels, for the joyous 
festivity of this day, and for the solemn bene- 
diction, and sacerdotal consecration of the sa- 
cred fount of Baptism, by virtue of the Holy 
Ghost ; in which, all the Faithful, baptized in 
the name of the Holy Trinity, are cleansed 
from all their sins, and made partakers of eter- 
nal Life. Also, by the grace of the Holy 
Ghost, they are deemed meet to be numbered 
as heirs of the heavenly Kingdom, and com- 
panions of Angels. 

I laud and honor Thee, Who didst adorn this 
most sacred day by many miracles, signs, and 



360 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

gifts ; and didst command it to be observed by 
Thy faithful followers for ever, with cheerful 
devotion. 

For, on this very day, the Law of old time 
was first given to Thy people Israel, by Moses 
on Mount Sinai ; when, freed from the heavy 
burden of bondage, they had gone forth from 
the land of Egypt to offer to Thee Sacrifice in 
the wilderness. Then was it, Thou didst also 
give for food sweet manna from heaven. 

To preserve a perpetual memory of this, Thou 
didst ordain that, every year on this memorable 
day, a new offering of the first fruits of the 
earth should be brought to Thee for a thanks- 
giving. 

But now, under the New Testament, after 
Thou hadst gone up with great power into 
Heaven, far above all Angels, Thou didst dis- 
tinguish, bless, and consecrate this sacred day, 
by a more abundant grace and favor. 

In the place of sweet manna Thou didst, by 
a visible sign from Heaven, send to Thine 
Apostles the Holy Ghost, with a " great sound 
as of a rushing mighty wind; and there ap- 
peared unto them cloven tongues, like as of 
fire, and it sat upon each of them v : that they 
might be inwardly fervent with love, and out- 
wardly ready and eloquent to preach ; boldly 
setting forth, as the Holy Ghost inspired and 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 361 

gave them utterance, all the wonderful works, 
wrought by Thee so gloriously in the Holy 
Land, for our Salvation. 

For these works were very many, and with 
man impossible ; but with God all things are 
possible, and very easy. 

Then was fulfilled that which was foretold 
by the notable Prophet, Isaiah, saying : " The 
Law shall go forth from Zion, and the Word 
of the Lord from Jerusalem." 

Never were such wonderful things heard, as 
on this day ; that, on one day, so many faith- 
ful men and women received the Holy Ghost in 
a visible sign, and in tongues of fire ; openly 
prophesying and understanding the Holy Scrip- 
tures, and speaking in the languages of all na- 
tions ; that men, uninstructed and unlettered, 
should, in the School of God, be taught by the 
Holy Ghost so quickly and so perfectly ; and, 
with the gift of so much knowledge, should 
even shine forth as workers of many miracles 
and wonders. 

O marvellous and unspeakable power of the 
Holy Ghost, who makes all those whom He 
visits and sustains, fervid and learned, lowly 
and devout, joyous and strong. 

For there is no delay in learning, where the 
Holy Ghost is present as the inward Teacher, 
revealing heavenly secrets to babes, as He may 



362 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

see best for the furtherance of their Salvation, 
and for the benefit of others. 

He especially teaches His disciples and secret 
friends to despise the world ; not to be high- 
minded, but always to condescend to men of 
low estate; to be vile in their own eyes, to 
avoid honors, to examine their own faults, 
deplore them, and quickly amend them ; and 
whatever, contrary to the Holy Ghost, lies hid- 
den in the conscience, working remorse, hon- 
estly and humbly to confess the same, however 
light and trivial it may appear to the worldly. 



CHAPTER IV. 

A PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING TO CHRIST FOR 
HIS INCARNATION, PASSION, RESURRECTION, 
AND ASCENSION ; AND FOR SENDING THE HOLY 
GHOST WITH A FULLER OUTPOURING OF GIFTS. 

OMOST sweet Lord Jesu Christ, Thou 
Lover of my eternal Salvation, I, a poor 
frail man, unworthy of any comfort and bene- 
fit, together with all the Saints and Thine Elect, 
bless and glorify Thy holy Name for ever. 

And especially do I give thanks to Thee, my 
God, that, of Thy great love and compassion, 
Thou wert willing to become man for me, to 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 363 

take my nature, and, beyond the course of na- 
ture, to be conceived by the Holy Ghost, won- 
derfully born and nourished of the Blessed 
Virgin Mary, to be circumcised and presented 
in the Temple, that Thou mightest cleanse me 
of all impurity of mind and body, and teach 
me to live a godly, righteous, and sober life. 

Still more do I thank Thee, for Thy most holy 
and bitter Passion • and, every day and hour of 
my life, shall I do so ; because for me Thou didst 
deign to suffer on the Cross, die, and to be buried ; 
that, by Thy innocent Death, Thou mightest de- 
liver me from eternal death, and strengthen me 
by Thy example to suffer adversity. 

I thank Thee again most joyfully, that, for 
my comfort, Thou didst, on the third day, rise 
again from the grave, and didst appear with 
great joy to Thy disciples in a closed upper 
room, that I may not despair in my day of 
trouble, or in any loss and danger , but have 
in Thee full confidence of my deliverance from 
the evils of this life, and a firm hope that Thou 
wilt, at the last day, raise me together with 
Thine Elect unto eternal Life. 

And, I also most devotedly thank Thee, in- 
wardly rejoicing heart and voice, for Thy solemn 
procession and glorious Ascension into Heaven, 
in the presence of Thy holy Mother, and others 
Thy disciples. 



364 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

Because Thou wentest before me to prepare 
a place, that I might be with Thyself ; and to 
open to me, by Thy Cross and Passion, the gate 
of the heavenly Kingdom : 

Where, with the Angels, Thou now livest 
and reignest in the glory of Thy Father, until 
Thou dost return, at the end of the world, to 
judge both the quick and the dead ; as the two 
holy Angels, clothed in white raiment (token 
of the joyfulness of this sacred Feast), taught 
us, who then appeared to Thy disciples, as they 
were looking upwards after Thee, towards the 
stars of heaven. 

O blessed eyes, which were permitted to see 
Thee in the flesh ! And blessed ears, which 
heard Thee speaking of the Kingdom of 
Heaven ! What more delightful to be heard ? 
What more blissful to be enjoyed? 

For me, then, Thou didst ascend into the 
highest Heavens, above all the orders of An- 
gels; where is the habitation of the Blessed, 
who reign with Thee now in exceeding great 
glory. 

That all my hope may tend heavenwards, 
and yearn towards Thee; and never rest in 
things earthly, nor delight therein. 

For all is vain and passing, all loss and un- 
reality, that is not my God. 

Every thing, also, must be despised and cast 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 365 

aside which draws me back from my God, and 
hinders me from devoutly praying, and medi- 
tating on heavenly things. 

Therefore, I beseech Thee, loving Jesn, 
King of eternal glory, in the kingdom of Thy 
Father, remember me, Thy poor one ; and send 
to me now from Heaven the Holy Ghost, the 
Comforter, to be my true solace, with a fresh 
fervor, and a fuller pouring forth of the gifts 
of the Spirit of God. Amen. 



CHAPTER V. 



A PRAYER CONCERNING THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY 
GHOST, AGAINST DIVERS DISORDERS OF THE 
SOUL. 

COME, Holy Ghost, come with all Thy gifts, 
and drive away from me Satan, with all 
his idle delusions ; which often disturb me in 
my prayers and devout meditations. 

Come, Thou sweetest wind of heaven, blow 
through the garden of my heart with the warm- 
est fire of Thy love, and keep down all evil 
affections within me ; that the fragrance of 
thanksgiving may flow forth, with a shower of 
tears, through my great sorrow for my sins, and 
at the sweet remembrance of all Thy blessings. 



366 Meditations on the Life of Christ 

Come, Thou best of comforters, and raise me 
from the abyss of gloomy sadness into the 
brightness of inward joy, with the hope of 
eternal rest — a reward for but a short labor 
of love. 

Against weariness of mind strengthen me 
with Thy words, in the Psalms and Hymns. 
Against the impulse of anger, grant unto me, 
O God, the shield of patience. 

Against fear, strike into me a fear of death, 
and of eternal torment. For, who will not 
dread the power of Thy wrath, and the punish- 
ment that knows no end ? 

Against boasting and vain glory, cause me 
to study mine own infirmities and the virtues 
of others. Against idle words, teach me to 
observe silence. 

Against wanton laughter bring me to tears 
and sighs. For it is better to weep bitterly, 
than to laugh foolishly. 

Against curiosity and wandering looks, set 
before me Jesus, Crucified for me. 

Against gay clothing, exhibit to me worms 
and corruption. Against the lusts of the flesh, 
lay open to me the graves of the dead. 

Against excess of wine, give me to drink the 
gall and vinegar of Christ. Against the silly 
tattlings of the world, repeat to me heavenly 
discourses. 



Meditations on the Life of Christ 367 

Against long stories, quickly close up mine 
ears, lest poison enter by their passages. 

Against loitering about broad streets and 
places of business, bind my hands and feet 
with the cords of Thy fear, lest I fall into divers 
temptations. 

Against melancholy depression and spiritual 
sloth, pour into me the grace of thy holy unc- 
tion. 

Against any unfavorable suspicion of an- 
other, move me to a higher estimation of my 
neighbor. 

Against any wrong done to me, strengthen 
me to bear it, and to avoid all avenging myself ; 
lest in Heaven I lose the crown of glory, prom- 
ised to the long-suffering. 

Against the many diseases of my soul, bestow 
on me the health-giving odors of Thy virtues, 
and the choicest beauties of the holy Doctors. 

Against any evil habit I may have, grant 
that I may do violence to nature, for the sake 
of Life eternal. 

Against the oppressiveness of work, grant 
that I may retain peace of mind, through de- 
vout prayer. 

Against distrust during the many trials of 
life, give me, O loving Holy Spirit, Thou pres- 
ent help in trouble, full confidence in Thee 
through Thy perfect holiness. Amen. 



368 Meditations on the Life of Christ 



CHAPTER VI. 

A PRAYER FOR THE GRACE OF DEVOTION IN 
THE PERFORMANCE OF HOLY OFFICES, Al^D 
ON THE CHEERFUL PRAISE OF THE ANGELS 
IN HEAVEN. 

OHOLY SPIRIT, the Comforter, Thou 
wisest Teacher of teachers, Thou most 
excellent Master of all physicians ! Thou 
canst, by a word and in a moment, teach the 
ignorant, and perfectly cure all the infirmities 
of body and soul. 

Be graciously present with me in every place 
and season, and lovingly pour into my heart 
the grace of devotion when I am praying, medi- 
tating, singing, and reading; that I may de- 
voutly and diligently go through my daily 
duties and observe my vows. 

For without Thee all prayers are vain and 
unfitted for the ears of God ; yea, without Thee, 
I can do no good thing. 

In whatever, therefore, I am deficient, 
through my infirmity, do Thou by Thy grace 
mercifully supply me. 

Against all terrors of the night, and tempta- 
tions of the devil, grant me the gift of faith in 



Meditations on the Life of Christ 369 

Thy Cross and Passion, and protect me thereby 
as with an invincible shield ; lest the malicious 
enemy, the prowler for my soul, lying in am- 
bush here and everywhere, prevail against me. 

Against weariness in long night watches, and 
still longer night readings, give me grace to 
think, what vast rewards are laid up for the 
Faithful in Heaven. 

To uphold self-denial in eating and drinking, 
vouchsafe me the power of fasting, together 
with health to labor, pardon for past sins, pro- 
tection against future ill-doing, and the hope 
of peace eternal, with the Elect in God's King- 
dom. 

Against inattention during Divine Service, 
stir me with songs on the harp and psaltery ; 
in the words of David, inspired by Thee, the 
Holy Ghost. 

And open to me the hidden manna concealed 
within the arid letter ; and precious spices shut 
up in a box of seemingly little worth. 

Many secret things indeed, which are justly 
kept from the wandering and idle, are laid open 
to the soul that devoutly prayeth and well con- 
sidered. 

Against drowsiness at Morning Prayer, pluck 
me sharply by the ear, that I may the more 
quickly wake up to hear what the Lord says 
unto me in the Holy Scriptures, in His Hymns 



370 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

and Canticles • to lift up my heart to my God 
in the Heavens, and to forget the things done 
on this earth below. 

Drive away from me all weariness of the 
body, and open the ear of my heart ; that, in 
an ecstasy of mind I may be made meet, 
through the Holy Spirit, to contemplate the se- 
crets of Heaven 5 and to hear the voices of the 
holy Angels, praising Grod and devoutly sing- 
ing Psalms to Him, seated on His exalted 
throne. 

O that I were one of them in Heaven, there 
to join them in their choir and sing, "Holy, 
Holy, Holy ! " 

They never grow weary, neither do they ever 
cease from the praise of their Creator ; but, be- 
ing filled with the Holy Spirit, they burn with 
love, they shine in snowy whiteness, they are 
fragrant with the odor of spices, they sing 
cheerfully, continuously, sweetly. 

They intone together, they support each 
other resolutely, they pause equally, they lov- 
ingly triumph, they rejoice with great gladness, 
they ineffably surpass themselves in Grod. 

Who then could sleep in the choir through 
weariness, when he thinks on this great and 
blessed joy of the Angels in heaven? 

Who would not wake up at the echoing of 
the celestial organs, and the harmony of the 



Meditations on the Life of Christ 371 

musical host, singing for ever and ever, with 
one heart and one voice, "Holy, Holy, Holy"! 

When the doors of heaven are shaken by the 
mighty shout of Angels, shall vile man be 
silent ? 

When the stones of the heavenly temple cry 
out, and the Nine Orders make a joyful noise 
unto God, shall the sons of God on earth be 
lost in sloth ? 

Behold the sun and the moon serve God by 
giving light, and will ye sleep ? God forbid ! 

The holy Apostle Paul says: " Awake to 
righteousness and sin not." 

Sleep not, be not slothful, let there be no 
hurrying, no discord, but with all reverence and 
devotion stand and sing, and with one accord 
offer, to the praise of God, sacrifices of thanks- 
giving. 

For the joyful praise of the lips is pleasing 
to God ; if outwardly the voice be in harmony, 
and inwardly there be the attention of a pure 
mind. 

For the highest enjoyment in social gather- 
ings, and the greatest charm in organs and 
songs, is harmony of voices, with cheerfulness 
of countenance, and honesty of bearing. 

O how beautiful and holy the society, where 
the Holy Spirit is present and controls ; where 
among the brethren is found love in the heart, 



372 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

truth in the mouth, and piety in the life ; every- 
where peace without guile, and free of all de- 
ception. 

True brotherhood is that which is never dis- 
turbed by strife, not injured by labor, not over- 
come by grievances. 

Because the love of God is shed abroad in 
our hearts by the Holy Ghost, which is given 
to the humble and contrite, to the needy, the 
meek and the peacemakers ; and to all who are 
ready, night and day, to do that which is good, 
to the praise and glory of God. 

These are the works of the Holy Ghost, who 
still worketh many good works in His faithful 
people, " dividing to each one severally even as 
He will ; " provided they prepare themselves for 
grace, and diligently guard their heart in every 
thought and deed. 

Great and arduous is the labor to keep the 
heart from wandering in prayer, and to unite 
the mind to God in spiritual contemplation. 

And, though our spirit often fails of that 
which is good, and is consumed of evil, giving 
heed to vanity ; still, the Holy Ghost, coming 
again, rebukes our heart, pricks it, wounds, 
anoints and heals it. 

He instructs and enlightens; He humbles 
through daily transgressions, and lifts up 
through inward consolations ; He refreshes by 



Meditations on the Life of Christ 373 

frequent prayers, and purifies by bitter lamen- 
tations. 

O Sanctifier, Ruler, and Guardian of all the 
Faithful, Pardoner of all sinners, Restorer of 
innocence, Consoler of the sorrowful ; O God, 
the Holy Ghost, O Thou Lord the Comforter, 
Who art gracious and full of compassion, and 
the most tender soother of babes in Christ, turn 
all that is evil within me into good, and the 
good ever into that which is better. 

Sorrow into joy ; wandering into a straight 
path ; ignorance into knowledge of the truth ; 
lukewarmness into fervor ■ fear into love ; every 
bodily good into a spiritual gift; all earthly 
yearnings into heavenly desires; everything 
transient into that which is eternal ; everything 
human into the divine ; every created and finite 
blessing into the highest, infinite and bound- 
less good ; for Thou art my God and my Sav- 
iour. 

my God, my true and eternal Salvation, 
guard me from every present evil ; forgive that 
which is past, and deliver me from all future 
danger by the bounteous grace of the Holy 
Ghost, which Thou didst on this day pour 
forth, with copious blessing, into the hearts of 
the Apostles, that they might preach Thy Word 
unto all nations. Amen. 



374 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 



CHAPTER VII. 

ON THE PREACHING OF THE APOSTLES, AND 
PROCLAIMING THE HOLY NAME OF OUR LORD 
JESUS CHRIST, THROUGHOUT THE WORLD, FOR 
THE SALVATION OF MAN. 

I BLESS and give Thee thanks, O Lord Jesu 
Christ of Nazareth, Thou Son of the Most 
High God, eternally blessed above all Saints, 
because on this day, when the Holy Ghost, sent 
into the world by Thee, came in the visible 
form of fire, the hearts of the Faithful were in- 
visibly inflamed with the love and praise of 
Thy Holy Name ; 

Then forthwith Thy Apostles cast away all 
fear, and that Name, glorified by the Father 
above all holy names, began to be publicly 
preached, praised, spread abroad, and magni- 
fied. Openly was it proclaimed before all the 
people of Jerusalem, and among the Gentiles, 
from day to day to be exalted, honored, and 
worshipped. 

At length, as the number of the disciples in- 
creased, so great a devotion and brotherly love 
arose among all, both men and women, that 
they were one in faith and holy living; and 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 375 

were all of one heart, and one soul, through 
love perfected in God. 

No one sought his own, but Christ's. All 
private possessions were used for the common 
good in the Holy Primitive Church, gathered 
together in the Holy Ghost. 

So great also was the joy, peace, and unity 
among them, that no one called anything his 
own, nor held any thing as his own ; but all 
rejoiced to have in God all things in common, 
and to distribute to the needy. 

And this holy and heavenly life, the blessed 
Apostles were first taught by the Lord Jesus 
Christ Himself, and afterwards were careful to 
observe it. And they retained it until the end 
of their days, when they died, as martyrs, for 
the faith of the Lord Jesus. 

I praise and bless Thee, O Holy Father, 
Almighty Everlasting God, with Thine Only- 
Begotten Son, and the Holy Ghost, the Com- 
forter, for all the loving-kindnesses and spirit- 
ual gifts, which Thou didst once vouchsafe to 
Thine Elect Friends, and the holy Patriarchs 
and Prophets ; to whom, in times past, Thou 
didst by words and signs reveal, by the Holy 
Ghost, the secrets of Thy wisdom, and the 
judgments of Thy mouth ; and more especially 
the mystery of Thy glorious Incarnation. 

But, after Thy coming, holy Jesu, many 



376 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

more hidden things of the Scriptures didst 
Thon Thyself reveal and expound more fully ; 
and things, which the babes in Christ could not 
yet receive. Thou didst lovingly leave, till the 
sending down of the Holy Ghost. 

And, what is still further wonderful and 
praiseworthy, Thou didst suddenly inflame the 
rude minds of the Apostles with the fire of the 
Holy Ghost. Those above the wise of the 
world, chosen out of its vanities and devoted 
to Thee, them Thou didst perfectly instruct 
within, and strengthen them to convert the 
whole world. 

I praise and give Thee honor, O ever glori- 
ous Jesu Christ, all-holy Enlightener and Re- 
storer of all mankind, for the conversion and 
gathering together of multitudes, whom Thou 
didst assemble in the unity of the Catholic 
Faith and Apostolic Doctrine, from all parts 
of the earth, and from nations of many lan- 
guages. Theirs it was to honor Thy sweet and 
Holy Name, in hymns, and psalms, and spirit- 
ual songs ; and so, to devoutly celebrate in all 
places and churches the sacred Festival of the 
Holy Ghost. 

During which many marvellous things, that 
were done in those days, are recited in God's 
House, so that even the common people, to- 
gether with the princes and nobles, hear the 



Meditations on the Life of Christ. 377 

divine works, which, for the Salvation of be- 
lievers, the Holy Ghost has wrought on earth 
from the beginning of the world, and will not 
cease to work, until the Day of Judgment. 

For, if God be for us, who can be against 
us ? Wherefore, in the Psalm the Holy Ghost 
exhorts all the Faithful, saying, " Bless ye God 
in the congregations, even the Lord, from the 
fountain of Israel." There is little Benja- 
min, rapturously contemplating the things of 
Heaven, forsaking all that is earthly. 

Blessed are those servants, who gladly hasten 
to sing the Lord's song, and, together with the 
Angels, rejoice to bless God. 

Blessed are they who despise outward vani- 
ties, and wholly turn their hearts to God ; that 
they may receive the grace of the Holy Ghost, 
by which they may overcome all carnal affec- 
tions, and resist Satan. 

For greater far and stronger is the power 
and grace of the Holy Ghost to effect good, than 
of the spirit of darkness to work evil. 

I bless and praise Thee, dearest Jesu, for the 
great favor and wisdom given to Thine Apos- 
tles, empowering them to preach Thy Word 
boldly, before all that dwell in Jerusalem, and 
Judaea, and in Samaria, even unto the ends of 
the earth. 

And especially for their constancy and per- 



378 Meditations on the Life of Christ. 

severance. They remained trne to the faith, 
when their citizens were persecuted ; rejoicing 
for Thy Name's sake to suffer contempt, to be 
imprisoned, to be scourged, to be tormented 
with hunger, and tortured with punishments 
of divers kinds. 

All these trials seemed light and of small ac 
count, in comparison with the crown of eternal 
Life, and the greatness of the glory to be re- 
vealed; as also the blessed Paul says, "the 
sufferings of the present time are not worthy 
to be compared with the future glory, which 
shall be revealed in us." 

Which glory, O most loving Jesus, Thou Son 
of God, in Thy most gracious compassion, and 
by the boundless love of the Holy Ghost, do 
Thou, after the bitter and perilous struggles 
in this life, deign to grant unto me. 

Who with the Father and the same Holy 
Spirit, livest and reignest, Three Persons and 
One God, co-equal in glory, for ever and ever. 
Amen. 



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